2025-2026
PLEASE NOTE: We’re playing fast and loose with dates and times this season, so read carefully and plan accordingly.
Reservations still required 7 days in advance of program
Email to: aauwsaintcloud@gmail.com with subject line: Reservations.
• Indicate in the email if you are a member or guest, and if you would prefer the vegetarian or gluten-free meal options.
• Checks are preferred due to the added fees of credit card payments.
• All reservations must be paid regardless of attendance.
• New members and guests are always welcome to attend.
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Monday, Sept. 15, 2025 (Deadline: 9/8)
3:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Stearns History Museum tour/Municipal Band concert
Our field trip to Stearns History Museum begins at 3:30; followed by a bring-your-own picnic dinner on the lawn until the free outdoor St. Cloud Municipal Band concert at 6:30 p.m. (Bring your own chair or blanket for the concert.)
Stearns History Museum Executive Director Amy Degerstrom will lead a guided tour of Stearns County’s nationally accredited museum and research facility. We’ll explore the exhibits, learn what’s available for research in the archives, and get a special look behind the scenes at the museum’s collections care spaces. You’ll learn about the work that goes into caring for and sharing Stearns County history. Picnic tables are available on the east side of the museum between the parking lot and the building. Questions?
Host: Ann Marie at development@stearns-museum.org or call 320/253-8424, ext. 106.
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Oct. 7, 2025
5 p.m. SCSU Atwood Room
Annual Fundraiser Dinner
Ticket and dinner reservation details to come.
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November 11, 2025 (Deadline: 11/4)
5 p.m. SCSU Alumni Room
Transgender, the new Other
Charlie Curtis, director of the SCSU LGBT Resource Center.
More than 900 laws have been introduced across the nation targeting the rights of transgender people. Why are these laws being introduced? Approximately 1 percent of the population identify as transgender. Are transgenders a threat to the other 99 percent? When the rights of some are taken away, the rights of all are in danger.
Food: Snacks
Host: Kathryn Gainey
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December 9, 2025 (Deadline 12/2)
5 p.m. SCSU Alumni Room
SCSU Student Organization Panel
Join us for an evening hosted by the St. Cloud State University AAUW Student Organization, focused on equity, access, and supporting college students in need.
The program will include a brief presentation introducing the AAUW Student Organization history, goals, current needs and how the AAUW Saint Cloud Branch can best support their efforts. It will also highlight the issue of food insecurity on campus. As part of the program, a food drive will be held to support the Huskies Food Pantry initiative. The presentation will be followed by a student panel of 2–4 SCSU AAUW Student Organization members who will answer questions about the student members’ personal campus experiences, and the challenges they face. Together, we can ensure that every SCSU student has access to the resources they need to thrive.
Food: Snacks
Host: Debra Carlson
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Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 (Deadline 1/15)
5 p.m. Great River Children’s Museum, Part II
110 Eighth Ave. S, St. Cloud
Note the special day and time. Although we generally do a Saturday morning in January, that’s the busiest day of the week for the Children’s Museum. AAUW members will be provided an exclusive tour of the newly opened museum located in downtown St. Cloud. Executive Director Cassie Miles and her leadership team will present on the recent launch of this successful and important museum for children and the young at heart.
Food: Meal at individual’s expense at a nearby restaurant. They include Kohinoor Bar and Grill, The Olde Brick House and Arroy Thai & Filipino Restaurant.
Host: Laura Hood
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Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 (Deadline 2/7)
10 a.m. SCSU Alumni room
Artificial Intelligence: What You Need to Know
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already shaping the way we live, work, and study every day, often in ways we don’t even realize. This presentation will explore how AI is embedded in the tools we use, the opportunities it brings, and the ethical and practical issues we all need to understand and consider. Join us for an engaging and accessible conversation about how AI is transforming our world.
Food: Snacks
Host: Christine Lepkowski
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March 10, 2026 (Deadline 3/3)
Gorecki Center, College of St. Benedict
A guest will speak on judicial leadership during times of change and uncertainty, experiences overcoming personal and professional obstacles, and ways to provide encouragement and advice for emerging young female leaders.
Host: Whitney Court
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April 14, 2026 (Deadline 4/7)
6 p.m. SCSU Planetarium
Planetarium Presentation
Check-in 6-6:45 p.m.; program at 6:45-8 p.m.
Map showing parking & building location to come.
Dave Williams has taught astronomy for more than 50 years. He was planetarium director at SCSU overseeing the renovation with the GOTO Chronos projector. This projector shows more than 8,500 stars giving a brilliant star field including the Milky Way, planets, star clusters, and galaxies. His presentation will highlight some of the significant contributions of women in astronomy, paired with a survey of the night sky along with constellations and ancient stories. Dave retired two years ago but the current planetarium director allows him to give planetarium shows to special guests.
Food: Tables for food (cookies & snacks) will be set up in the hallway outside the Planetarium.
Host: Caroline Williams
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May 12, 2026 (Deadline 5/5)
11 a.m. CSB Gorecki Hall
Travel Talkin’ presentation
Annual Business Meeting/Membership Appreciation and Program Planning
We will speed through the business portion of our meeting so we can enjoy a spirited and fun presentation from inveterate world travelers Jim Grubinski and Mike Smith, who will provide a presentation on one of their many foreign adventures. Beautiful pictures, delightful stories, fun facts, culture and history will be shared.
Food: Snacks
Host: Barb Wismer