PRESIDENTS

The non-current records of the American Association of University Women, New Jersey Division, Inc. (1), were donated to the Special Collections and Archives unit of the Rutgers University Libraries In late 1983 by action of the Division's Executive Committee, The records date from 1928 to 1984, although bulk of the documentation falls between 1929 and 1976, Earlier records, from the 1927-1929 term of the Division's first president, are not included. Later records, after Spring 1976, remain with the organization except for a few documents represented at Rutgers by duplicate copies.

The records of the New Jersey Division reflect the American Association of University Women's primary goal, which has always been to promote education at the local, national and International levels, particularly with regard to the concerns of women and children. When the needs of the time beckoned, the New Jersey AAUW concentrated Its efforts in other areas as well. For example, the earlier Division presidents participated in a women's peace movement, the National Committee for the Cause and Cure of War. In addition: during the Depression, the New Jersey Division participated In relief organizations; during the World War II, It became active In consumer affairs, national defense and Issues relating to women in Industry; and In the 1960s and 1970s, It formed study groups concerned with a safe environment.

For the earlier years of the organization, a fuller delineation of Its activities Is available In A Short History of the New Jersey State Division of the American Association of University Women, 1927-1952 written by Marlon Lukens. (A copy is Included In the collection in the President's GENERAL FILE of Jean Prochazka, who served from 1950 to 1952; another copy is available In the New Jersey Reference Collection In Special Collections and Archives.)

Of Rutgers University interest is the fact that the New Jersey Division has had strong ties to Douglass College (formerly the New Jersey College for Women). For example, many of the Division's board meetings, conferences and other events were held on the University's New Brunswick campuses. In addition, Dr. Anna Starr, a faculty member and (at the time) Assistant Director of the Rutgers Psychological and Mental Clinic, served as the New Jersey Division's president from 1935 to 1937, She led an active campaign to Improve child welfare conditions in the state.

On a broader level, the New Jersey Division AAUW records are significant because they provide insight into how college-educated women viewed themselves during a period of increasingly rapid social change. These perceptions are reflected in the topics and causes selected for study and support by AAUW members over the years. Of particular note is the existence and activity of a standing committee to study the economic and legal status of women which was formed in 1942.

(1) The New Jersey Division's formal name, used until the 1970s, was the New Jersey State Division of the American Association of University Women (sometimes given as the American Association of University Women, New Jersey State Division).