The Columbia Branch of the National Association of University Women celebrated 90 Years of service to Columbia and the Midlands at Saint John Baptist Church, during its Annual Scholarship Luncheon Saturday April 13, 2024. The theme, “Visionary Women Serving in Unity and Love” was on display at this year’s luncheon as the Columbia Branch recognized and celebrated the Nonagenarian members (women over 90). Six active members were honored and one member, Rubie Nixon Schumpert, the oldest member at 106 years was honored posthumously. Mrs. Schumpert, remained actively engaged with the Columbia Branch until her recent transition on April 3, 2024.
The esteemed honorees, all retired educators, still very active and well into their 9 0 \mathrm { { ^ { ∘ } s } } were presented by Past President, Jeanette Dozier as visionary women who have helped to shape the history of the Columbia Branch of the National Association of University Women; Mary Richardson Hardy, Lillie Jenkins James, Mary Boseman McAfee, Lydia Sandiford, Esther Ruth Butler Sims, Rubie Nixon Schumpert (deceased) and Margaret Turner. All of the honorees gave brief reflections of their memories of love and service to NAUW. Some of the members cited that their memberships spanned over more than 60 years of involvement with the Columbia Branch. Russell Perkins, “The Sax Man”, Brandi Brooks, songstress and young master Jay Bynes, drummer celebrated and serenaded the honorees with a rendition of “I’m Every Woman”.
One key highlight of the Annual Scholarship Luncheon was the recognition and celebration of the 2024 Woman
of the Year, Gladys Cureton, a retired Richland One Principal. She continues to use her skills to educate, motivate and support scholastic advancement. Cureton was selected for her unwavering and committed support to the Columbia Branch where she faithfully serves as Corresponding Secretary and on several committees. She was surprised by family who traveled from NC and GA for the occasion.
President Loranda Malloy Melton noted that, “The proceeds from the Annual Scholarship Luncheon go toward providing financial aid and scholarships to high school graduating seniors, our young affiliate group, the Young University Women and to college students at Benedict College and Allen University. This year the Columbia Branch will award scholarships to four Young University Women and two college students, Carmen Dreher Jordan-Allen University and Lameysia Teeonna Wade-Benedict College”.
