History of the NAUW

In March 1910, during informal conversation, four college women conceived of an organization of college women. These women were dedicated to furthering educational opportunities for women. The four women were Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, Dr. Sara Brown, Dr. Fairfax Brown, and Miss Mary Cromwell. In April 1910, Dr. Georgianna Simpson, Miss Bertha McNeil and other college graduates who were residents or teachers in Washington, DC, joined them and formed what was known as the College Alumnae Club. 

On April 6 and 7, 1923, the members of the College Alumnae Club, believing their work too important to be localized, invited some college women of Baltimore, Maryland to join them in a national organization. During the 1920s, the Washington, D.C. group rganized seven branches in cities where women who were interested in program initiated by the College Alumnae Club.

It was  in 1923 that the College Alumnae Club of Washington, D.C. called representatives from the branches to attend a conference. From this gathering of great minds emerged the National Association of College Women.

The national organization was incorporated in 1924 under the name of the National Association of College Women. The first National President was Mrs. Lucy D. Slowe, the late Dean of Howard University.

Today there are 87 branches of the organization throughout the continental United States. The National Association of University Women is making many contributions, nationally and through branches with such national organizations as; American Council of Education, Civil Rights Leadership Council, The UrbanLeague, The National Council of Negro women, The National Association for the advancement of Colored People (of which Life Membership has been obtained), The League of Women for International Peace and Freedom, The Conference of Citizenship, The National Conference of the United States Department of Labor Women's Bureau, the Young Women's Christian Association, Women's Advisory Council of the Economic Opportunity, The White House Conferences and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations. Additionally, we are proud to announce our partnership with the United States Census 2000. 

Branches have been active in sponsoring projects such as tutorial services, voter education, family relations, international relations, Human-Social Relations, Community Development and Handicapped, Parent's Programs, girl scout troops, Workshops on current local and national issues, leadership development and parliamentary procedures, Career Conferences and many others.

The National Association of University Women has granted and continues to grant graduate fellowships to many outstanding women. Local branches also offer scholarships for undergraduate  studies.

Journal and bulletins, along with other publications of educational value, are issued to the membership.

Any women of good character holding a baccalaureate or higher degree from an institution which is listed by the United states Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in Accredited Higher Institutions may apply for membership in the organization.