1951-2001
AWC 50 Year Anniversary Recap


Happy Anniversary! (L to R) Betty Rion, Susan Rowell, 
Carol Wilson, Karla Beam, Cindy Barry & guest, Carol Yoho.

The Association for Women in Communications celebrated its 50-year anniversary with a BBQ at Lake Shawnee, Garden House Shelter, June 28, 2001. The local chapter of the association was founded October 9, 1950. The official charter was presented March 27, 1951.

Boss Hawg's BBQ - Mmm Good!

A small committee began meeting to plan this event in late February. Members of the 50-year anniversary committee included: Irene Haws, Chair; Betty Eakes, Historian; Carol Wilson, Denise Kathrens, and Susan Rowell. The committee met for lunch monthly at Henry's inside the Harley Davidson's Motorcycle Sales Center at 21st and Topeka Blvd. Once, they met at The Pad in North Topeka and at Lake Shawnee.

Verlee Sanneman, at Aldersgate Village discovered that a past president of AWC was a resident. Betty Rion, president from 1955-56, was a member of the organization while it was still a college journalism sorority at Kansas State University - Theta Sigma Phi. There was a male journalism organization at the time, too. Betty, Verlee and Irene Haws met for lunch at Aldersgate. Betty shared her story of traveling by train to the National Convention in California. It was the first year that a man had been inducted as member. 

Betty volunteered to speak at the 50-year anniversary event. She had many stories to tell. For years, she said, the local chapter had rummage sales or "White Elephant" sales for fundraisers... until the National organization heard about it. They were asked not to have them anymore, because they were not "professional." She was a member at the same time as Peggy Green, at which time members met informally in one another's homes for dessert. From Theta Sigma Phi to Women in Communications, Inc., then Women in Communications to the Association for Women in Communications, the association has a long history.

Betty Rion, president in 1956, talks about the first man
to join the association and other historical reflections.

Another very important person in the history of the Topeka Professional Chapter is Diana Carlin, of the University of Kansas. She has moderated the Press-the-Press reverse press conferences every year, with the exception of the first Press the Press moderated by Bob Stephan, then Kansas Attorney General, and the second conference moderator, Jack Brier, then Secretary of State. Diana Carlin was given Honorary Membership status and was presented a plaque at the 50-year anniversary event. She spoke about her experience with Press the Press Conferences over the past years. She has agreed again to moderate the upcoming Press the Press Conference.

Diana Carlin shares exciting experiences about
moderating Press the Press Conferences.

Many letters, past newsletters, flyers and publicity for the Association were on display at the 50-year anniversary, all of which remain in our historical files. Thanks to Betty Eakes and her great record keeping, this special event was made even more meaningful.

Betty Eakes, chapter historian, announced an updated 
directory is available of current and past members.

Beverly Benardi Post Conservatory of Dance provided the entertainment for the celebration. Many young women from ages 3 to 18 performed numerous colorful dances and routines. Many parents of the performers and families were present to watch.

Young dancers entertain at the anniversary event, 
held at Lake Shawnee, Topeka, Kan.

No 50-year anniversary could be complete without the birthday cake (50 candles in all). Officers and committee members blew out the candles and brought the evening to a close.

AWC is 50 years old - count the candles!

Here's to another fabulous 50 years!