Becky Ahrendsen named AAUW Woman of the Year

Every year in March, the Clarion branch of the American Association of University Women chooses someone who exemplifies their mission to improve the lives of women through education as their Woman of the Year. This year, the organization has chosen Becky Ahrendsen, a woman who has long blessed Clarion with her care for those around her and her passion for hosting students from other cultures.

“Becky Ahrendsen is one of those women behind the scenes who gives of herself in so many ways that others aren't aware,” said Florine Swanson, Clarion AAUW past president. “Not only has she been a supportive spouse, an incredible mother but a community servant.”

Ahrendsen first became involved with AAUW after moving to Clarion in 1985 and her daughters, born 19 months apart, were young. “AAUW had ‘Take a Break’ classes and a friend from the Lutheran church invited me,” she said. “It was nice to have adult time at AAUW and learn and meet teachers and professionals at meetings.”

Ahrendsen’s husband, Dr. Jon Ahrendsen, is a member of the Clarion Rotary Club. Between 1996 and 1993, they hosted three students through the Rotary exchange program: Maria Persson from Sweden, Sophie Vanpe from Belgium, and Tracy Curall from South Africa. Ahrendsen said they decided to host their first student to broaden cultural horizons. “It was to engage our students of Clarion to learn a broader perspective on the world,” she said.

 

For the full story, see the April 6 edition of the Monitor.

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