Diane Ludwig, 2009 AAUW Convention Local Arrangements Committee member, is handling sponsorships to raise money for the convention, as well as the kickoff luncheon.  She is a member of the St. Louis Branch and a dual member in the Kirkwood-Webster Groves Branch.  A member for almost 35 years, Diane has been interested in fundraising ever since she tackled raising money for the Educational Foundation in her early days of membership in Oklahoma.  Diane invited the audience to accept a challenge to match $10,000 in gifts from several Missouri AAUW leaders. 

Members who attended the last Southwest Regional conference in Overland Park, KS, knew they were in for a treat when they saw Dr. Jill Birdwhistell's name on the program.  Dr. Birdwhistell, AAUW's chief of strategic advancement, brought her knowledge and enthusiasm to inspire, motivate, and inform members about the upcoming changes in AAUW.