For the members of Women for ACU, their organization is a fascinating lot of women who serve the ACU community with fundraisers and scholarships for students in need.
Marisue Meyer, vice president in charge of programs, said WACU is an organization rich in history.
“Women for ACU has been going on since 1969 and has been giving scholarships since 1970,” Meyer said.
WACU started as a scholarship group and grew into a local chapter of 75 women. Members’ annual due of $25 goes toward the scholarship and grants fund. Five grants are awarded to ACU departments, the largest of which goes to the Department of Theatre.
Adam Hester, chair of the Department of Theatre, said it was because of WACU’s generosity that ACU was able to produce two plays in repertory this summer. The group’s support of the arts is critical to both the university and to the Abilene community, Hester said.
“The Women for ACU have been generous supporters of the Abilene Shakespeare Festival for the past several years, ” Hester said.
Hester attended WACU’s recent annual Welcome Luncheon, a time for members to meet new and potential members as well as discuss the budget and events coming up. Rick Piersall, assistant professor of music and voice and director of opera, also made an appearance at the luncheon to thank the women for their generosity. Two of his students, Bree Hembree and Jarrett Ward sang “I see the light” from the Disney movie Tangled.
The group also comes together at the Woman of ACU museum to bake mini casseroles every Thursday at 1 p.m. This fundraiser supports the local community and ACU students who want a quick lunch.
Hazel Fillmon coordinates the pie sale at Summit. The Summit sale is one of WACU’s biggest fundraisers and a big contributor in funding scholarships. This fundraiser sells out every year and has been a huge success with the ACU community, Fillmon said.
The Women of ACU also like to have fun. This year they are hosting their second annual BUNCO tournament at the Rose Park Community Center. This game is new to their fund-raising world and is hosted in the spring.
“We are looking forward to a productive and exciting year,” said Marian Piersall, the new president of WACU.
