We have all heard that it is better to give than receive, but sometimes you can do both. As in the case of a recent donation of $5,000 made to The Women in Science Giving Circle (WISGC) from the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) Wright State University Chapter. The AAUP WISGC Faculty Award, is approved by AAUP leadership to support a grant for a woman faculty member at Wright State University. We recognize Marty Kich, Larry Prochaska and Adrian Corbett for their role in arranging this donation.
The AAUP’s mission is threefold; to advance academic freedom and shared governance, to define fundamental professional values and standards for higher education, and to ensure higher education's contribution to the common good.
Since the establishment of the Committee W, on the Status of Women in College and University Faculties, during their 1917 annual meeting, the AAUP has demonstrated an interest in the advancement of women to higher academic positions. With this shared goal, WISGC is a natural partner by creating scholarships and research grants that enhance the educational and professional opportunities of female students and faculty members in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) disciplines at Wright State University.
WISGC was founded in 2006 and by 2008 had raised enough money to award three educational scholarships along with two research grants. With the generous support of individual donations and groups like the AAUP, they continued to make a large impact on women faculty and students in STEMM disciplines.To date they have supported the professional development of 35 Wright State women.
During the past 6 years:
- 13 women faculty were awarded grants from $2,500 to $5,000 each, and
- 22 women students were awarded scholarships of $1,500 each
- for a total of $93,000 in awards
Besides providing the practical benefit of assisting with the costs of college or allowing the purchase of a needed piece of research equipment, a WISGC award is a validating honor for women students and faculty. In addition, the Giving Circle is a community of like-minded people (men and women) who support women and act together to improve the conditions for their success in STEMM. WISGC members are very grateful to the AAUP for recognizing the importance of supporting women in STEMM. Please consider joining us as together we break barriers.
