Each of our current scholarships is given in memory or in honor of a branch member or supporter. This year’s honorees are as follows:
Judy Bell is being recognized for service to Lewis County AAUW by having a Tribute Scholarship named for her in the 2025-26 year. She joined Lewis County AAUW in 1994. She is being recognized for her long-term involvement in Expanding Your Horizons, serving as chair for several years and in nearly every other role through over 25 years of the event. She is also active in the community, especially as a leader in Friends of Seminary Hill. She has been involved in organizing and publicizing its events for many years, and she spearheads trail maintenance. She is an avid hiker and spent her career in healthcare, especially serving the elderly.
Sandy Godsey, branch president 1974-75; 50-year member; and historian, 1995-2002, who organized 80 years’ accumulation of branch records and wrote decade summaries beginning in 1923.
Dr. Kate Gregg, first woman to earn a Ph.D. from the University of Washington, 1916; college professor of English; author-compiler of three books of American western frontier history. She passed away in 1954, at which time the branch scholarship program was named in her honor.
Corene Jones-Litteer is being recognized for service to Lewis County AAUW by having a Tribute Scholarship named for her in the 2025-26 year. She joined Lewis County in 1990 and served as President of the branch in 2022-2023. She has been active in the Art Group, Early Morning Discussion, Pages and Beans book group, and currently is co-chairing Expanding Your Horizons. Her career was as a librarian and library manager for Timberland Library, and she is an avid quilter.
Sharon Lyons is being recognized for service to Lewis County AAUW by having a Tribute Scholarship named for her in the 2025-26 year. Sharon joined Lewis County AAUW in 1996 and is currently a dual member with a branch in Arizona where she and her husband are “snowbirds”. She is being recognized for her leadership in implementing programs such as Expanding Your Horizons and Lunafest in the Lewis County Branch and was also instrumental in planning its Centennial Birthday celebration in 2023. Sharon was an English teacher at the middle and high school levels in the Centralia and Winlock School Districts as well as in Oregon.
Karen McInturff is being recognized for service to Lewis County AAUW by having a Tribute Scholarship named for her in the 2025-26 year. She joined AAUW in 1991 and served as President 1999-2001. She is a skilled artist who was involved in Art Group and other art activities for children until she recently moved out of town. She is best known for her creations with felt. She trained as a Registered Nurse in Vancouver, B.C. and worked for Cornelia Van Prooyen for many years. She wanted a 4-year degree so attended Evergreen State College while she was working to attain it.
Jan Snider is being recognized for service to Lewis County AAUW by having a Tribute Scholarship named for her in the 2025-26 year. She joined Lewis County AAUW in 1999 and served as President of the branch from 2005-2007. She has been active in many branch activities and interest groups such as the Book Sale, Early Morning Discussion, Travel Group, and Ravenous Readers. Prior to moving to Centralia and joining AAUW, she was a high school English teacher in Anchorage, Alaska.
Gerald M. Vandeboe (1933-2018) was a gifted Woodley High School English teacher who selflessly mentored students and staff alike, applying empathy and understanding to all he encountered; everyone treasured his insightful words of wisdom. He had early ties to Lewis County and often came to visit. He declared ours to be his favorite charity because we were dedicated to the practicable financial support of students. His widow, Doneen Vandeboe, has continued to provide support in Gerald’s memory because he understood the importance of scholarships.
Sharon Winningham is being recognized for service to Lewis County AAUW by having a Tribute Scholarship named for her in the 2025-26 year. Sharon served as President of the branch in 1978-1979 and is currently the branch Secretary. She is an avid reader and long-time supporter of the theater – especially musicals. Sharon grew up in California and became an elementary school teacher. Before retiring, she taught primary grades in the Centralia School District at Edison Elementary School.