April 16th, 2015 – Relationship Violence
Pamela Cathey from the Institute for the Prevention of Relationship Violence will speak about the work of the institute, her books on relationship violence, and the online minor that BVU has recently approved

April 9th, 2015 – STEM; Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Dr. John Bedward, Dr. Melinda Coogan, Dr. Lisa Mellman, and Dr. Shawn Stone will discuss educational directives and career trends within the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Locally and globally, STEM has moved to the forefront of educational reforms and policies, and AAUW, along with BVU, would like to better prepare students for STEM opportunities.

February 19th, 2015 – Human Trafficking
Joanne Alvorez from the Centers Against Abuse and Sexual Assault (CAASA) will be discussing the issue of Human Trafficking.

September 25th, 2015 – Challenges Now and Then; Female Owned Businesses
Several local business owners will discuss their experiences and the challenges they may have faced as female business owners in a small community.

April 24th, 2014 – Pay Equity and Female-Owned Businesses
Presentation will focus on pay equity, as well as the issues raised in Sheryl Sandberg’s book, Lean In. This event will also include a panel discussion by local women who have successfully built their own businesses in the Storm Lake community.

March 20th, 2014 – AAUW Public Policy Priorities
We will have small group discussions about the public policy priorities established by AAUW and how branches can support those policies. Members can also discuss any questions or concerns that they might have with the identified policies.

February 20th, 2014 – Immigration Reform and the Path to Citizenship
Discussion of immigration issues with someone who has had first-hand experience pursuing US citizenship. We will also talk with a local Storm Lake resident who has worked to help others in our community follow the path to citizenship.

September 19th, 2013 – Miss Representation
This documentary film will begin at 6:30pm and will be followed by a  discussion about the role of the mainstream media in contributing to the under-representation of women in influential positions. Prof. Jamii Claiborne will moderate the discussion. There will be no business program.
No Agenda – No Minutes

May 2nd, 2013 – International Travel: Rwanda & Kenya
Jamii Claiborne, Assistant Professor of Mass Communications at BVU, will discuss her experiences during the summer of 2012 as a first-time international traveler visiting the African countries of Rwanda and Kenya.
Agenda – Minutes

March 7th, 2013- Educational Challenges and the Role of Charter Schools
Lori Porsch, Director of Curriculum at Storm Lake Community Schools, and Beau Ruleaux, principal of the Storm Lake High School, will discuss major issues related to curriculum, as well as other aspects of the educational process that are necessary to provide the best education for local students.
Agenda – Minutes

November 15th, 2012 – Supporting a Sustainable Planet
Emily Haselhoff will present information on working towards a sustainable planet, including conservation, recycling, and energy issues.
Agenda – Minutes

September 20th, 2012 – Legislative Issues and Voter Information
Christine Louscher will present on major issues in the coming elections, both nationally and in Iowa,  and will discuss voting requirements in November. She will also focus her talk on increasing the number of women who choose to run for public office.
Agenda – Minutes

June 21st, 2012 – Social Gathering

April 19th, 2012 – Legal Advocacy
Janet Berry, Lisa Shepherd, Mary Gill, and Lori Porsch shared their thoughts and experiences on gender equity, family medical leave, sexual abuse, and harassment in our schools, respectively.
Agenda – Minutes

February 16th, 2012 – Becoming Global Citizens
The Global Fellows from Buena Vista University presented a program on their January 2012 trip to Chile.  They were assisted by Drs. Melinda Coogan and James Hampton, who accompanied them to Chile.
Agenda – Minutes

November 17th, 2011 – Breaking Barriers for Latinas
Jan Mitchell presented a program on ways in which AAUW works to help open doors for Latinas in our communities.  Jan was instrumental in starting Latinas al Exito to promote the importance of education, including post-high school education, for Latinas. The program links college-educated Latinas with middle school Latina students. Currently, the program exists in four Iowa school districts.
Agenda – Minutes

September 15th, 2011 – Diversity: The Spice of Life
Yorgun Marcel, Director of Intercultural Programs and Ashley Farmer- Hansen, Director of Community Services at BVU addressed the ways in which they work to promote diversity at the university and the ways in which diversity enriches everyone’s lives.
Agenda – Minutes

June 16th, 2011 – Social Gathering

April 28th, 2011 – Profiles in Feminine Courage and Accomplishments
Jo Vetter and the performance students from Newell-Fonda High School presented Women of Courage and Accomplishment, a performance that used technology, music, photos, drama, and speech to highlight women who have made a difference throughout history within the United States.
Agenda – Minutes

February 17th, 2011 – STEM: Preparing and Nurturing Women for Careers in Science and Math
Melinda Coogan, Assistant Professor of Biology at BVU, shared her expertise on the barriers facing girls and women when it comes to careers in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math.
Agenda – Minutes

November 18th, 2010 – Support and Hope: Stopping Violence Against Women
Wind Goodfriend, Associate Professor of Psychology at BVU and researcher in the area of women and violence, shared her expertise on how we, as individuals and a community, can put an end to violence against women.
Agenda – Minutes

September 16th, 2010 – Fair Play: Gender Equity in Athletics
Marge Willadsen, retired BVU head softball coach, Associate Athletics Director, and Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, shared her expertise on gender equality related to Title IX.
Agenda – Minutes

April 15th, 2010 – Summer Sizzle
Sarah Thiessen from the ISU Extension Office discussed the Summer Sizzle program offered to middle school girls who reside in Buena Vista County.
Agenda – Minutes

February 11th, 2010 – BVRMC Center for Women
Theresa Beem, Director of Women’s Center, discussed the services and resources that the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center (BVRMC) Center for Women offers. A tour of the facility was provided.
Minutes