Sally Jacoby Murphy ’11, library director at the Fred and Harriet Taylor Memorial Library of Hammondsport and new member of the AAUW (American Association of University Women), was recently recognized by the Bath branch for her tremendous efforts in keeping the group steadfast during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meeting at least 10 times per year, Bath’s AAUW group comes together to listen to local female voices in their life experiences and career paths; inspiring and influencing future generations of women leadership. Having just made a recent move for work to Hammondsport, NY from Elon, NC the year prior, Sally had to traverse the present gathering constraints of social distancing. “We are big believers in being a part of your community, but COVID made getting to know folks in town a bit harder,” Sally noted.

“But when one of my library volunteers mentioned that the local chapter of AAUW was struggling to find ways to meet, it seemed a natural opportunity to get to know my new community.” In doing so, Sally offered to host the monthly meetings through the use of the popular conference application, Zoom, allowing the group to continue to conduct business on a monthly basis.

With the health and safety of its members as a top priority, Sally has been integral in maintaining the group’s durable foundation of influence. Because of these committed efforts, the Bath branch of the AAUW honored her for her enthusiasm, love of education, and community spirit by generously making a donation to the Educational Opportunity Fund at the American Association of University Woman.

“It was a small thing that has made a difference in my life, as interacting with the wonderful women in the group has been insightful, interesting, and made me feel much more a part of my new community.”

Sally’s membership, along with many others, has made it possible for the AAUW to support women across the country pursue their aspirations of higher education.

You can read more at the AAUW Bath group’s website: bath-ny.aauw.net.