Hall of Fame

AAUW-Walla Walla welcomes these members to our Named Gift Honoree Hall of Fame! Members are inducted into the Hall of Fame when they are being recognized for the third time. These members join past Hall of Famers: Ruth Ladderud, Kay Raddatz, Melanie Plantaric, and Diane Reed!

Tracii Hickman

This woman really stepped up to the plate this past year. She joined a team to take over the Collectibles Section at the Book Sale - selling some of the more valuable on line throughout the year. She was valuable help on the 5 year Impact Committee, co-chairing with Mitzi. Then, if that was not enough, she continued to chair the Membership Engagement Committee organizing many member social events each month this past year. But, wait - one more. No one stepped up to take on Scholarships so she took that on as well (just for this year). Everything Tracii does is done with integrity, intelligence, directness and all with a pleasant demeanor. Hope we have not worn you out this year, Tracii!

Donna Murray

IIn 2020, Donna’s first year producing the kitchen tour (KT) on her own and in the face of Covid restrictions, she assembled a team to create a successful online version of the KT. In 2021, with continued Covid concerns, she pulled enough homes together for a limited KT and incorporated a book sale cookbook section. In 2022 Donna produced the KT with last-minute additions and cancellations. In 2023, she managed the KT with a last-minute loss of the kickoff venue and a last-minute kitchen switch. Donna has risen to the challenges and leads an organized event.

Paula Nichols

Paula Nichols is another faithful book sorter extraordinaire. She is always cheerful and genuinely happy to see you. She also works closely with Kay and is willing to put in extra shifts. Paula is very caring about everyone, it seems. In addition, she has put in many, many hours as a volunteer at an elementary school where her daughter was the principal.

Judy Peasley

Over the past year Judy has been an incredibly valuable member of AAUW-WW. Some of her accomplishments: as Membership Chair she developed an online application form which has been super successful. Judy invites all new members to a welcoming event: coffee or wine to meet other new members and to learn more about our local efforts. Judy has revitalized Tech Trek reaching out to local middle schools for this amazing opportunity for girls interested in science. Judy was a valuable member of the Five Year Impact team, including developing the member-wide questionnaire. And last, but certainly not least, she introduced a common record keeping system through Google Drive and has trained many members how to use it. I know this is a long submission, but Judy has worked really hard over the year behind the scenes.

Dorothy Steding

Dorothy has quietly worked over the past year putting together historical information for membership. Her ongoing articles for our newsletter about AAUW are an information resource. She's a keeper of information, and members often turn to her to figure out what the background is for different situations we encounter as a branch. In addition, with Karen Yaeger, she keeps the directory up to date — always hunting down photos of new members. The directory is a vital part of how an organization with more than 280 members keeps in touch!

2024 Named Gift Honorees

Each year, through AAUW-National, we are able to recognize branch members and community organizations that provide exceptional support towards our mission. Below are our 2024 honorees. Thanks so much for your contributions!

Janelle Bruns

Janelle, who is a co-owner of Book & Game since 2003, has been incredibly supportive of our AAUW Annual Book Sale over the last several years. AAUW has received donations four times a year of six to eight large boxes of new books. Each box contains approximately 40 books so over 1,000 books every year. AAUW greatly appreciates Janelle's support of our mission.

Renee Hadley

President Renee has spent this past year involved in all aspects of leadership of our local AAUW branch. As President, she has participated in all our ad hoc committees to provide guidance as needed. Renee successfully accomplishes all the responsibilities of President: agenda preparation and leading monthly board meetings, hosting our all-member socials, speaking as needed to outside groups, addressing problems as they arise...the list goes on and on. Renee does this working full-time at a demanding job, and raising her two school-age children. Bravo, Renee!

Nila Howard

Nila Howard is Kay’s right hand person. Yes, I know Kathy works in partnership with Kay, but Nila is the one in the trenches, not only Thursday nights, but on many occasions when Kay feels it’s necessary to work some extra shifts to stay caught up on sorting. Nila is upbeat and incredibly helpful. She is always willing to carry a box of books in from outside or over to discards.

Kari Isaacson

When GE (GEE) hit a bump in the road this past year in its relationship to AAUW Kari volunteered to take on the study of what exactly the relationship was between the two. It was a large task - understanding bylaws of each organization and researching history of both. Temperaments were volatile -- and I don’t believe that is an exaggeration. Kari handled it with intelligence and organization. Most of all she managed meetings with grace and a sincere interest in hearing both sides. We appreciate you, Kari, for taking on a tough task and coming through with a better understanding communicated in a polite manner.

Mitzi Jensen

Mitzi completed outstanding work on the Five Year Impact Funding committee. With her insight and leadership, she guided the ad hoc team through many productive and thoughtful meetings tackling thorny issues. The resulting product, our new Mission Funding formula, was overwhelmingly supported by our membership, and points our Branch in a direction that better supports women and girls in the Walla Walla Valley. And secondly, Mitzi led the 5-Year-Impact Study team this year. Her warmth, intellect and unwavering vision for moving our organization forward was exactly what was needed!

Bob Jones

Bob has been instrumental in the success of the Book Sale by bringing his trailer, loading up supplies from the rink to take to the Marcus Whitman, helping set up tables, and directing the WWCC students as they bring in the boxes of books. He also helps bring all the supplies and books to our Book Sale booth at the 4th of July in Pioneer Park and helps set everything up. Bob is always calm, helpful ,and is a pleasure to work with.

Beth Kreger

Beth has been faithfully picking up books from our donation box at Southgate Center Market for many years. When she is contacted because someone reports the box is full, she cheerfully heads right over there to empty it. She was Book Sale co-chair for 7 years, and volunteers for many other organizations in Walla Walla.

Sue Lundgren

Sue has been the category manager of C/D fiction for many years. C/D fiction is the largest fiction category and Sue has done an excellent job of organizing her section. Sue has also for many years done the two pizza pick ups from Big Cheese Pizza for the Thursday set up of the book sale. She does the first drop off at the ice rink for the work crew there then picks up more and takes it to The Marcus Whitman Ballroom for the work crew there. Sue is always friendly and wonderful to work with.

Tom Peddicord

On Saturdays when Karen Peddicord is the sort leader, her husband, Tom, has, for many years, helped sort books, pack discards, tape boxes and complete other odd jobs. It’s wonderful to have someone like Tom who will happily help with anything that needs to be done.

Kay Schisler

Kay participates on the scholarship committee, donates time to the book sale, Great Explorations, and various committees and miscellaneous tasks through her church. Her patience and thoughtfulness shine through with her actions. She may come across as a silent worker bee but her insight and willingness provides so much more. We are so grateful for her contributions.

Rochelle Short

Rochelle’s redesign of the website and thoughtful attention to our social media outreach have boosted member engagement, and her efforts working with a wide range of committees and members on implementing more effective outreach and communication are making a positive difference for our branch and our community.

Katelyn Sumerlin

Katelyn is the manager of the Eastgate Subway. Over the last several years, Katelyn has been giving AAUW a significant discount on the sandwiches we order for our John Deere work crew on the Sunday afternoon of the book sale. She is polite and very friendly to work with. Katelyn's generosity allows AAUW to give more to fund our scholarships and grants. AAUW greatly appreciates Katelyn's support of our mission!