This month we continue our series on past presidents who were honored as the Sacramento Branch Named Gift Honorees for 2015. For every $750 donated to Funds on behalf of our branch, we can choose a Named Gift Honoree. This year we have chosen four of our past presidents to be honored.

Past President Molly Dugan

Molly Dugan, co-president from 2011 to 2013, has been a member of the Sacramento Branch for 10 years. In addition to these two terms as president, she was the branch secretary for two years and most recently served as Scholarship co-chair and on the Nominating Committee. This Sacramento native is planning to take some time off from serving on the board but will always be involved in AAUW activities. Member Cathy Locke recruited Molly for AAUW when they worked together at the Sacramento Bee. She joined AAUW for the mission but admits that the people are what it is all about.

At the age of 18 Molly began her career in journalism as a copy girl at the Sacramento Bee. With a Master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University, she worked for various newspapers, eventually returning to the Bee. In 2006 she had an opportunity to teach journalism at Sacramento State University and has been there ever since. It is her way of giving back for her wonderful career. In 2000 Molly married a fellow journalist, Dan Smith. We are so lucky to have this vivacious member as a vital part of our AAUW family.

Barbara Smith preparing for the 95th Anniversary Tea

Barbara Smith, co-president for the 2006-2007 year, will soon be joining the exclusive club of 50-year members of the branch. She has been newsletter editor many times as well as Program vice-president and recording secretary during her years of membership and can be found working behind the scenes on most AAUW events. Barbara joined in 1967 after being invited to a tea for prospective members. She liked what she saw and soon became active in branch activities. She has been a member of her book group ever since and took part in couples gourmet for over 35 years.

In 1970 Barbara was a member of the first local scholarships committee and the following year chaired a large fundraiser for local scholarships. Another project she remembers was the Balance of Nature Show members took around to grade schools. Many things have changed in her 48 years of membership. Noteworthy to Barbara was that her identity changed from Mrs. Roger Smith to Mrs. Barbara Smith to now just Barbara Smith. She is much happier with her current status. Barbara and her husband Roger have been married for almost 53 years and have three children and two grandchildren. Members like Barbara have enabled our branch to thrive for its 95 years.