MESSAGES May 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Upcoming UWC Events
May Lecture Luncheon and Presentation of the Margaret Willard Award
New this year, rather than the February Lecture Luncheon when parking is a challenge, we will hold a Lecture Luncheon in May when parking should be easier after the students have left campus. The location of all Lecture Luncheons will be Room 235 in the University Memorial Center, located at 1669 Euclid Avenue at the corner of Broadway and Euclid on the CU campus in Boulder.
Click for tips on How to Attend UWC Events at University Memorial Center (UMC)
Thursday, May 21, 2026 – 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Please note new day.
Ilene Naomi Rusk, PhD, CPsych, Director, Center for Brain and Mental Health
A Roadmap to Brain Health for Optimal and Joyful Longevity
We will also introduce and honor our Margaret Willard Award recipient at this luncheon!
Registration deadline is May 5, 2026
Click here for details and to register for Lecture Luncheon #5.
Membership Coffee—Save the Date!
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 – Membership Coffee at Viele Lake
President’s Message
A Year of Bittersweet Reflections
As I write this message, I am filled with bittersweet emotions. The bitter aspect comes from knowing this is my final message to you as this year’s President. The sweet side, however, is the sense of fulfillment and pride after a truly wonderful year. Our membership has soared to a record high of 381 members, and every event we hosted this year sold out—each and every one. We introduced several new programs and implemented numerous ideas to streamline our processes, embracing modern technology and confidently stepping into the 21st century. Most importantly, our increased revenue enabled us to provide generous scholarships to this year’s recipients.
Celebrating Leadership and Teamwork
The Tao of Leadership teaches that, at the end of the work, followers say, “We did this ourselves.” This sentiment has never been truer than in 2025-2026. Our Board has accomplished remarkable work to bring us to this point. During the May Lecture Luncheon, I will recognize two members with the Annual UWC President’s Award. However, I could easily and happily present this honor to every member of this year’s Board. As I bid farewell, know that it is only a temporary goodbye. I will continue to serve on the Board and support our incoming President, Berry Todd. Please welcome her with the same warmth and encouragement you have shown me. I am confident she will carry forward the progress we have made together.
Looking Ahead
I encourage you to take your time reading this issue of MESSAGES from cover to cover. Within these pages, you will find details about upcoming events in May, award recipients, and tributes to past recipients and presidents. I look forward to seeing many of you in person at these events throughout the month.
Andie Kutinsky
2025-2026 President
Scholarships
Message from the Chair
At the recently celebrated Scholarship Luncheon, we honored six scholarship recipients who were courageous in their educational journeys, and, despite a variety of life events, were determined to complete their undergraduate educations. All present gave full attention as the students shared their career ambitions, dreams, and deep gratitude for the support they have received along the way.
The $5,000 scholarships we are able to award each year are made possible because of the generous donations of our members. Our donations fund these students’ ability to help make dreams a reality. Your financial gifts directly impact the number of scholarships we can provide to nontraditional students. With the cost of education increasing each year, your donations are essential to help these students reach their goals.
Please continue to contribute to our mission. The Scholarship link gives you the opportunity to make an online donation. You can also donate to the Scholarship Fund when signing up for UWC events.
Thank you for your generous support.
Jean Manifesto
UWC Scholarship Chair
2026 Scholarship Recipients
The 2026 Annual Scholarship Luncheon took place on Tuesday, April 15 at the Boulder Country Club, attended by over 90 UWC members, guests, and the scholarship recipients. Six non-traditional students from the University of Colorado Boulder campus were each awarded a $5,000 scholarship. During the program, students shared stories about their college journey and personal experiences.
Peyton Banks is a finance student in the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder and plans to graduate in 2027. She intends to pursue a law degree focused on mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, and organizational strategy. Peyton is particularly interested in helping companies navigate complex challenges and improve performance through thoughtful leadership and decision making. Having grown up in the foster care system, she is passionate about mentoring foster youth as they approach adulthood and make decisions about education and career paths. Peyton hopes to combine business and legal training to build organizations that create opportunities and strengthen support systems for young people facing similar circumstances.
Lucy Reddell is a Boulder native and International Affairs major at the University of Colorado. Lucy is driven by a commitment to global equity. While balancing self-funding her education, she is pursuing a certificate in Peace, Conflict, and Security. Lucy is fluent in Spanish and currently studying Mandarin, reflecting her passion for cross-cultural engagement and language learning. Following graduation, she aims to serve in the Peace Corps, gaining the front line experience necessary for an eventual career with a global non-governmental organization. She remains dedicated to advancing sustainability and human rights through a professional life centered on international service and conflict resolution.
Michaela Perez is a Boulder native and first-generation student. She is pursuing a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at CU Boulder. Her commitment to conservation was sparked by her 23-year bond with Llucca, a Mexican gray wolf hybrid. Now Michaela focuses on the bi-national recovery of this endangered species. Her diverse fieldwork includes post-wildfire fish monitoring, bison-vegetation studies, and wildlife rehabilitation. Self-funding her education while balancing local community work, Michaela aims for a career in ecological restoration. She seeks to heal Western ecosystems by addressing the complex intersections of habitat loss, predator eradication, and the historical legacies of land displacement.
Kimberly Avelyn Era is a 64-year-old returning student to CU Boulder after nearly 40 years. She is a full-time Bachelor of Fine Arts student in the Printmaking Department and in her junior year this Fall semester. She plans to graduate in the spring of 2028. Kimberly lives in Longmont and has lived in Montana and Oregon as well as having grown up in Pennsylvania. Her two adult children live in Oregon and Florida, and Kimberly’s absolute favorite pastime is to be with them. She has owned small businesses throughout her adult life but made the decision to finish college in 2023. She is very active with pickleball, hiking, biking, fishing, and printmaking. She also enjoys travel, time with good friends and navigating new challenges.
Caleb Johnson is a 26 year old sophomore studying Aerospace Engineering Sciences at CU Boulder. He transferred to CU from Red Rocks Community College this past fall where he studied for a total of four years. Caleb grew up in Golden, CO, and is the youngest of five siblings. Over the years, life has posed several challenges in his life. In his youth, he learned to tap into perseverance and grit, and believes overcoming challenges will only help to succeed in the future. Caleb’s dream has always been to be an astronaut and as a nontraditional student, found his place at CU Boulder where his dream continues.
Serena Bity Martinez is a first-generation, nontraditional adult learner at the University of Colorado Boulder, double majoring in Sociology and Women and Gender Studies, with minors in Political Science and Ethnic Studies. She transferred from community college in Aurora and graduated in 2023. Balancing family responsibilities, including caring for her father through surgery, job losses, financial struggles, food insecurity, and supporting a pet with a chronic illness, life has been challenging, but she always gets back up. At Antelope Recovery, Serena works with the judicial system to connect youth at risk to mental health services instead of the juvenile system. This summer, she will mentor marginalized youth through Generation Teach. Her goal is to become a social worker, giving youth hope, second chances, and showing that resilience can overcome life’s toughest obstacles.
Donations to the Scholarship Fund
Scholarship Donations (thru March 2026)
Lois Anderson
Judith Auer
Karen Bell
Francine Blum
Jennifer Bohlin
Laura L. B. Border
Renee Brant
Sue Collard
Amy Cox
Ann Crouter
Margot Crowe
Carol Etges
Janet Freeman
Susanne Gerson
Arlene S. Gerwin
Leland Giovannelli
Karen Haimes
Ruth Hamann
Shirley Harkess
Frieda Holley
Anita Hueftle
Beth Karpf
Jacquie Kilburn
Priscilla Slocum Lacy
Amy Levy
Patty Ludke
Sarah Pierce Martin
Cindy Meyer
Barbara R. Miller
Judy Minger
Robin Moskal
Gail Moyes
Jean Nelson
Jane OToole
Beth Rauch
Judy Reid
Marge Riddle
Jean Rohrschneider
Boyce Sher
Ardyth Sohn
Barbara Steffin
Tamera Van Spriell
Lyn Wickelgren
Molly Wittenberg
Sally Yerger
Support Scholarships Through Grocery Shopping!
If you shop at King Soopers, Safeway, or Albertsons, you can easily participate in their community award programs where 5% of your purchases will be donated to UWC to support our scholarships AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU! You can really make a difference.
With the King Soopers Community Rewards program, you can go online one time and link your King Soopers Loyalty Card to the UWC Account. UWC will automatically get 5% without your having to do anything else. Directions for signing up can be found here at https://www.kingsoopers.com/i/community/community-rewards.
If you shop at Safeway and/or Albertsons, you can use a Safeway Community Giving Card when making your purchases and UWC will earn 5% every time you reload your card. To request a Safeway Card be mailed to you or to seek assistance to register for this program, contact Board Member, Norma Portnoy at normaporrtnoy1112 at gmail dot com.
Please click here for instructions regarding both programs.
Thank you for participating in these programs to support our scholarships!
UWC Notes
Congratulations to Our 2026 Margaret Willard Award Winner—Audrey Fishman Franklin
We are pleased to announce that a panel of committee members selected Audrey from an impressive group of candidates to receive this year’s award. The committee believed that her ongoing support for numerous organizations at both the Boulder and national levels, as well as her exemplary role as a model for others, made her an ideal recipient. This award includes a $100 gift to a charity of her choice, a framed certificate, and an award presentation at the May Lecture Luncheon.
The following include Audrey’s many accomplishments:
- The founding of the Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence (SPAN Boulder). She also organized their largest fund raiser, the Chocolate Fling.
- Being an early contributor to InterCambio where she currently serves on their Board.
- Being part of the Major Giving Circle For The Dairy Center For the Arts.
- Being a Supporter of the League of Women Voters of Boulder County for 2023.
- Supporting the Museum of Boulder.
- Being part of the Rocky Mountain Equality Center.
- Serving on Jewish Family Services.
These accomplishments were only a part of those identified by her supporters.
The University Women’s Club remains deeply grateful and inspired by her continued charitable work over many years. She is truly a model for us all and a perfect person to represent the Margaret Willard Award of 2026.
Pictures from Our Scholarship Luncheon
Membership
Time to Slow Down
Our membership program slows down a bit during the summer months. For now, you’ll see a simplified summer form in place of our regular one. You’re welcome to complete it anytime for the coming year, and we’ll follow up in August to collect membership dues. Enjoy your summer!
Carol Etges
Membership Chair
Honoring Our Past Leadership
UWC Presidents
We are grateful for the leadership provided by past UWC presidents, the governing Boards and the many volunteers throughout the history of UWC. While it would be impossible to list all of the names of those who have had an impact on the success of this organization, we would like to identify the women who accepted the position as president. You can view the full list of UWC past presidents from 1919 to the present at About/Our History page on our website.
UWC President’s Award
Each year since 1993, the UWC President has presented an award to one or more outstanding members of the Board who have demonstrated their capabilities and steadfastness, shared their knowledge and experience, provided innovation, and/or made an outstanding effort to further the Board and club initiatives, agendas and activities. These awards have been presented to the following members since 2016. You can view the complete list of President’s Awards recipients at About/Awards on our website.
Member Acknowledgements
Membership Courtesy
If you know of a member who would appreciate a card, note, or any personal contact due to illness, death, or other reasons for support, please inform UWC at boulderuwc@gmail.com with “Acknowledgements Chair” in the subject line.
Members In Memoriam
As information to members, and to remember those who have passed away, UWC includes an ‘In Memoriam’ section on the website. This section honors those UWC members that we know about who have died since 2020.
If you are aware of UWC members who have left us, please let Joyce Spencer, webmaster (jjandbobs at msn dot com) and Tam Van Spriell (tamvanspriell at gmail dot com) know the member’s name for prompt inclusion on our website and in future MESSAGES.
Interest Groups
Interest Groups Information
- Book Group – Afternoon – Fourth Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. mostly at members’ homes or on ZOOM. Chairs: Mary Anna Dunn 720-355-8174; Mary Clough 303-522-8692.
- Book Group – Biographies – Third Friday at 3:00 p.m., in person. Chair: Susan Planck 303-499-3916.
- Book Group – Mysteries – Third Monday of every month, except December, at 2 p.m. in the East Age Well Center. Chair: Betty Barnes 512-657-6584.
- Book Group – The Original Book Group – Formerly Evening – Second Thursday at 2:30 p.m. Meetings held in members’ homes. Chairs: Beth Rauch 303-746-2983; Kathleen Salzberg 303-499-3128. This group has been meeting continuously since the 1950’s.
- Bridge Group – First Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. Chair: Karen Neff 303-494-0467.
- Crafting Group – This group meets monthly to socialize while working on our own projects or teaching each other new skills. Chair: Katy Ginger 303-827-6710.
- French Conversation 2 – More Members Needed! Chair: Zdenka Smith 303-330-2856.
- Games Group – It’s Anyone’s Game – Board and card games. First Tuesday from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at home of Chair in Louisville. Chair: Kathleen Newton 720-548-8661.
- Garden Group – Third Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Chairs: Jyotsna Raj 303-447-8831; Jean Rohrschneider 720-542-9788.
- Golfing – For the Casual Golfer – 1:00 p.m. every Thursday at various golf courses, new members welcome. Chair: Susan Planck 303-499-3916.
- Hiking Group – Every Friday 9:00 a.m., September to May; 8:30 a.m., June to August. Meet at the north end of the east side of the main (new location) garage at 29th Street Mall, Chairs: Frieda Holley 303-499-3733; Joan (Joanie) Cardone 303-263-7823. Note: Dogs are not allowed on UWC hikes.
- Hiking Group – Slower Hikers – Every Friday 9:00 a.m. Meet either at the north end of the east side of the main garage at 29th Street Mall or at trailhead. This group usually hikes on irregular terrain for 1-1/2 to 2 hours in the Boulder area. Chair: Lois Linsky 720-939-5845. Note: Dogs are not allowed on UWC hikes.
- Italian Conversation – Wednesday, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Zoom. Chair: Maxene Wilson 303-530-4619.
- Music – Second Monday afternoon of most months in members’ homes, providing a venue for musical performers to meet and share their love of music in an intimate setting. Chairs: Berry Todd 303-442-9083; Tula Roberge 303-443-2509.
- On the Road Again – This popular group hits the road 4-6 times per year to enjoy activities, exhibits, and events that are located in Boulder County or surrounding communities. Co-Chairs: Norma Portnoy 303-908-9371; Beth Karpf 720-326-5093; Barbara Steffin 310-892-9966.
- Out to Lunch – Usually Fourth Wednesday, at noon at various local restaurants. Chairs: Jean Rohrschneider 720-542-9788; Jyotsna Raj 303-447-8831.
- Readers’ Theatre 2 – Third or fourth Monday at the Boulder Library. Chairs: Patty Ludke 303-817-1020; Kathy Randall 303-746-4528.
- Spanish Conversation – Contact chair for details. Chairs: Diana King 303-803-4583; Arlene Gerwin 303-349-8959.
- Theater Goers – Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company matinees. Acting Chair: Cindy Meyer 713-256-9185.
- Walking Group – Thursdays at 10 a.m. Walking for one hour on level trails in the Boulder County area. Chair: Marilyn Moses 303-775-9069.
Groups That Are at Capacity
- Book Group – The Bookies – Kathy Randall 303-746-4528.
- Book Group Small – Fiction and Non-Fiction, Joyce Bograd 303-250-7706.
- Book Group – Mysteries, Betty Barnes 512-657-6584.
- Book Group – Second Monday, Janet Evans 303-818-1530.
- French Conversation (Original group) – Dot Thompson 303-499-4423.
- Games Group – Kathleen Newton 720-548-8661.
New Chairs Needed! Contact Lois Linsky, Interest Group Coordinator, 303-499-2689, if interested.
Biking  |
Sunday Afternoon at the Movies |
Want to Start a New Group?
Starting a new interest group requires at least five members in addition to the leader.
- If you are interested in starting a new group, please contact the Interest Group Coordinator for more information: Lois Linsky, Interest Group Coordinator, 303-499-2689.
- To form a new book group, contact Kathy Randall, 303-746-4528.
Let’s Go See a Play Together!
The Theater Goers group will see Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company (BETC) plays together in 2025-26. Please join us for these Sunday 2:00 p.m. matinees followed by conversation and reflection at the Dairy (and in February at The Nomad Playhouse). You and a friend/partner may purchase individual tickets from the BETC website, or you may schedule your season subscription for these dates:
May 3: Mary Jane by Amy Herzog
Please contact chair Cindy Meyer for details about a 5% UWC Theater Goers discount code for individual performances and to be added to the email list, at 713-256-9185 or cfmeyer at sbcglobal dot net.
For additional details, click here.
Happy Hour/Tea Time Conversations
We invite anyone and everyone to join us each month for our Happy Hour/Tea Time (HHTT). These Zoom meetings occur 4:00-5:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. We each have time to talk to the group about a topic in our personal lives or within our philosophies. It’s an opportunity to get to know fascinating women on a much deeper level.
Contact Andie Kutinsky (drandie305 at gmail dot com) to get on the mailing list.
There will be a break for the summer after the May HHTT, but I’m including topics for our 2026-2027 discussions to entice you to join this engaging group!
Interest Group News
Out to Lunch
Out to Lunch group enjoying Asian cuisine at Mr. Fuji Hibachi and Sushi in Louisville.
On the Road Again
The group enjoyed an informative tour, with beer sampling, of the Avery Brewing Company in Boulder, then stayed for lunch on their patio, enjoying the beautiful weather.
Send your photos for MESSAGES!
Send your interest group photos and/or photos you have taken of Boulder and surrounds for inclusion in MESSAGES. Send photos with description and members attending to MESSAGES editor Tamera Van Spriell at boulderuwc@gmail.com
Executive Board
Officers
President – Andie Kutinsky
Past President – Anne Hudson
President-elect – Berry Todd
Secretary and Secretary-elect – Betty Johnson
Treasurer and Treasurer-elect – Frieda Holley
Board Members
Acknowledgements: Donations made
“in honor of/in memory of” – Joyce Spencer
Advisory/Parliamentarian – Frieda Holley
Interest Groups Chair – Lois Linsky
Margaret Willard Award Chair – Andie Kutinsky
Membership Chair – Carol Etges
Membership Coffee – Lynne Barnett
MESSAGES Co-Chairs
Editor – Tam Van Spriell
Copy Editor – Kathleen Salzberg
Technical Editor – Carol Etges
New Member Event – Shirley Harkess
Nominating – Frieda Holley
Opera Brunch – Sandy Johnson
Photographer – Sydney Hoerler
Programs
Chair – Norma Portnoy
UMC Liaison – Tam Van Spriell
Registration – Lynne Barnett
Scholarship Committee Chair – Jean Manifesto
Scholarship Luncheon – Jonette Lucia
Website – Joyce Spencer
Zoom Master – Lynne Barnett
Non-Board Positions
Document Repository – Diana King
Email Communications – Andie Kutinsky
Historian/Yearbook – Karen Neff
Calendar
UWC Calendar for 2026
May 21 Thursday, Lecture Luncheon #5 and Margaret Willard Award Presentation, 10:30 a.m to 1:00 p.m., UMC 235
