Lynchburg Branch
In the Southwest District
Lynchburg Affiliate Executive Board 2025 -2026
Anitra Webster, President
Bonnie Benedict, Membership Vice-President
Paula Lichiello, Program Vice President
Martha Wilson, Secretary
Carol Hannah, Treasurer
To contact an officer or for general information, send an inquiry to LYNAAUW@gmail.com and it will be forwarded to the appropriate recipient.
ABOUT US
Our affiliate has a rich history dating back to 1921 when Dr. Gillie A. Larew (1882-1977) served as the first president of our branch. She was a mathematician and an alumna, professor, and dean of Randolph-Macon’s Woman’s College. Another early member, Dr. Meta Glass (1880-1967), served as the third president of Sweet Briar College in addition to two terms as president of the national American Association of University Women (1933–1937). Dr. Glass is remembered for her extensive travel and speeches regarding liberal arts and issues that affected women and women’s employment.
Today, we continue the mission of the women who came before us as AAUW promotes equity for all women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal change.
In addition, our Lynchburg Affiliate Goal is to encourage education and equity for women and girls in every stage of life by providing opportunities for learning through programs and action groups, by raising money for local scholarships and AAUW Funds, and by learning and working with persons whose values and interests include seeking opportunity and justice for all.
Known as the City of Seven Hills or the Hill City, Lynchburg is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the banks of the James River. We have approximately 35 members who are in various stages of life and bring their expertise and energy to our yearly agenda. Our programs/meetings, book discussions, special interest groups, and convivial gatherings are held September through May of each year at designated locations.
For more information regarding membership and/or to attend a meeting, please email us at LYNAAUW@gmail.com .
COMMUNITY PARTNERS IN ACTION
The Lynchburg Affiliate donated a $250 Staples gift card to The Free Clinic of Central VA in February 2025. These funds will support the needs of the clinic as they restore their building and replace items that were destroyed by a fire in December 2024.
Pictured from Left to right: Paula Lichiello, Program VP, Lynchburg AAUW Affiliate; Marie Ferguson, Dental Director, Free Clinic of Central VA; Sante Horris, Patient Referrals, Free Clinic of Central VA; Janae Lewis-Brown, Dental Assistant, Free Clinic of Central VA; Aliyah Horsley, Dental Assistant, Free Clinic of Central VA; Lori Banks, Executive Director of Operations, Free Clinic of Central VA; and Anitra Webster, President, Lynchburg AAUW Affiliate.
This year’s two scholarship winners were recognized by Treasurer Carol Hannah, during our May luncheon program. We are excited to support these women as they pursue their educational goals.
Amherst County High School student Aliyah Blair is the first recipient of the Norma Jean Rist Scholarship Award, and she plans to attend Virginia Tech this fall. This scholarship fund was established by Norma Jean’s family in her memory and provides a $3,000 scholarship to the recipient.
The second scholarship recipient is E.C. Glass High School student Katie Martin. Katie received a $3,000 scholarship from the Lynchburg AAUW affiliate and plans to attend Virginia Wesleyan this fall.
Join our local AAUW Affiliate and Build a Better Tomorrow for All Women
What does The American Association of University Women (AAUW) do?
*Promotes equity for all women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal change.
*Awards funds to women scholars to pursue their educational goals.
*Advocates on Capitol Hill for issues that matter to women.
Who belongs to AAUW?
*Graduates with a two or four-year college degree or higher.
*Undergraduates who are pursuing a degree.
*Interesting, diverse, and passionate people.
*Those who are employed, not employed, students, and retirees.
Why join AAUW?
*To engage in our learning opportunities through programs and interest/action groups.
*To participate in fundraisers for local scholarships and AAUW funds.
*To form social groups for networking, career connections, camaraderie, interests, and fun.
Come and explore the possibilities at our AAUW Lynchburg Affiliate!
*For more information, contact the Membership VP at LYNAAUW@gmail.com.
*Our programs and events are held September through May of each year.
*Opportunities for involvement at the local, state and national levels.
* All are welcome, so please join us. We’d love to meet you!
“Together, we can make a difference in the lives of women and girls.”