Ballwin-Chesterfield is dedicated to pursuit of AAUW goals, and has received recognition for their efforts. The Branch is grateful to its members for unstinting donation of their time, effort and expertise in this endeavor. Click on the titles below to learn more!
Branch Recognition
Member Awards
AAUWMO 2023 Woman of Distinction
Marsha Koch joined the Kirkwood-Webster Groves Branch in 1984 and has served as president, program vice president, membership vice president, and newsletter editor. She helped her branch establish STEM scholarships for high school girls. Marcia is also a member of the Ballwin-Chesterfield Branch. Previously she chaired and was secretary of the St. Louis IBC. She served AAUW MO in various officer positions: president from 2008–10 during the AAUW National Convention in St. Louis, program vice president and is ending her fourth year as board secretary. Marsha volunteers at tabling events and has created and presented programs on numerous topics to other branches. She presented programs to the public at the St. Louis County Library about Work Smart. Most recently she has compiled an easy-to-use shortcut to find all the research documents on AAUW’s website. She was instrumental in designing and distributing the Get Out the Vote yard signs: one for the 19th Amendment and another to urge people to vote in the 2022 election. She also wrote many postcards at election time. Marsha was previously honored as an AAUW MO Outstanding Member in 2011 and again in 2018. She is an AAUW MO Century Club Plus member.
Marsha taught business education and computer software education prior to becoming the Director of Administration – Information Services Technology at Washington University. The Kirkwood-Webster Groves Branch, St Louis IBC, and the state organization are improved with Marsha’s knowledge of technology. She is an excellent example of one woman making a difference by using her expertise to help others. She helped bring us into the 21st century with technology. Marsha’s leadership and innovation in so many areas make her a true Woman of Distinction.
2023 AAUWMO Outstanding Member
Mary Jermak has been a member of AAUW since 1997. She serves on the Missouri State Board as Communication Chair and Newsletter Editor. Mary’s service as editor for the Missouri in Motion newsletter each quarter has been stellar. Because of her efforts, AAUW members across the state receive newsworthy branch events in “Leaves of the Branches,” along with important news and updates from board committee chairs. Mary also serves on the AAUW MO Public Policy, and College/University committees, and contributes annually to the AAUW Fund Century Club. Mary was honored by AAUW Metro St. Louis Interbranch Council with the 2020 Barbara Lackritz Service Award. She served on the AAUW National Membership Committee (2010–14).
Mary’s contributions to the AAUW Ballwin-Chesterfield branch have been diverse during her 20-year membership. Mary was public policy chair and led the committee to hold community events about timely issues. She was co-president (2008–10) and made STEM a branch priority after the AAUW publication of Why So Few. She participated in the creation of a video, Why So Few, a resource for parents. Since 2010, Mary has been co-editor of Branching Out, the B-C newsletter and has mentored new editors. She was also program vice-president and has served on numerous committees and is the incoming branch secretary/archivist. Mary has been a B-C Named Gift Honoree. Mary is a retired reading specialist, holding a bachelor of science from Marywood University and a master’s degree from Maryville University.
Ballwin Chesterfield is a 2023 10- Star AAUWMO branch, having fulfilled the requirements of the Branch Action Plan and having helped further the AAUW mission in Missouri.
Ballwin-Chesterfield Branch is #2 in Missouri in total giving to the AAUW Fund.