‘Equali-TEA’ fundraiser’s focus is scholarship money for MTSU women

Beverly Keel, dean of the College of Media and Entertainment at Middle Tennessee State University, will give the keynote address at this year’s Equali-TEA high tea fundraising event on April 18 at the Andrew Woodfin Mill Sr. Education Center in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Graphic illustration courtesy of the Murfreesboro chapter of the American Association of University Women)

The Murfreesboro chapter of the American Association of University Women is inviting the community to enjoy a cup of tea and discuss equality at a special “Equali-TEA” Tuesday, April 10, at MTSU’s Andrew Woodfin Miller Sr. Education Center.

“Equali-Tea: A High Tea in April” is planned for 4:30 p.m. April 10 in the MTSU Miller Education Center, 503 E. Bell St. in Murfreesboro.

Diane Turnham

Madelyn Scales Harris

Murfreesboro Vice Mayor Madelyn Scales Harris and MTSU Senior Associate Athletic Director Diane Turnham will co-host the event.

University of Tennessee Women’s Athletic Director Joan Cronan will deliver the keynote address.

The Curious Kitchen will cater the fundraiser in the center’s atrium with a three-course high tea, complete with continuous tableside tea service.

Hats are optional, but reservations are required and can be made at www.mtfwg.org/equali-tea.

Joan Cronan

Proceeds from the event will go toward scholarships and programming for the Middle Tennessee Fund for Women and Girls, a nonprofit organization in support of AAUW Murfreesboro. Its goal is to help level the playing field in education and in the workplace.

Equali-Tea attendees will be asked to make contributions to the fund, and all donations are tax-deductible.

AAUW Murfreesboro offers two scholarships, one for undergraduates and one for graduate students. Both require applicants to demonstrate academic progress and financial need, and each scholarship provides a $2,000 stipend.

Women 24 years and older who are returning to finish their undergraduate degrees are eligible for the Ruth Houston Memorial Scholarship.

The Butler Fouts-Graduate Scholarship goes to female graduate students from underrepresented ethnic or racial groups. Butler-Fouts applicants must be enrolled in MTSU graduate programs.

Equali-Tea sponsors include MTSU, First Tennessee Bank, Liz Rhea, Dr. Susan Andrews of Family Practice Partners, the law firm of Farrar and Wright, and Friends of AAUW.

For more information, contact AAUW Murfreesboro President Dia Cirillo at 773-677-4238 or email contact@equali-tea.org.

— Gina K. Logue (gina.logue@mtsu.edu)