Historic YWCA Time Capsule to be opened at George Williams College on Oct. 15

WILLIAMS BAY, WIS., Oct. 4, 2007 —A ceremonial opening of a YWCA time capsule will take place in Mabel Cratty Hall on the George Williams College of Aurora University on Monday, Oct. 15. Dr. Rebecca L. Sherrick, Aurora University president, and YWCA leaders will preside at the event.

A bronze seal above the fireplace mantel in the Great Hall of Mabel Cratty Hall conceals the time capsule. During the opening, the capsule will be excavated and then opened.

The YWCA, as a national organization, had its beginnings on the George Williams College campus in the late 1800s. A plaque that adorns the Great Hall of Mabel Cratty Hall states that in July 1892, bylaws were adopted and a board elected to create a national YWCA in the building. The building was built by the National Board of the YWCA and dedicated on Aug. 15, 1926. At the time, it was called the Women's and Children's Building but was renamed in honor of Mabel Cratty, who was the first general secretary of the YWCA from 1906 until 1928. Margaret Mead, a member of the YWCA's national board at the time, was the speaker honoring Mabel Cratty at the 1937 building re-dedication.

As part of the National Association of YWCA Executives Annual Professional Development Conference, the historical connections between the YWCA and George Williams College will be explored on Oct. 15 for the nearly 100 members in attendance. Eileen Mershart, executive director of the YWCA in Madison, Wis., said: "We are really looking forward to coming to the campus to be a part of continuing our historical connections and renewing that history."

The morning events hosted by George Williams College on Oct. 15 include a session titled "Our Look at the Past" by Dianna Woss, GWC campus archivist; and YWCA elder Gwen Jackson, a Milwaukee resident who was a long-time YWCA program member, volunteer and board member. They will provide a history of YWCA involvement on the George Williams College campus from 1886 to 1949 through pictures and stories. The time capsule will be opened following this session.

In other events for the national conference, Dr. Rebecca Sherrick, AU President will be the keynote speaker at the opening dinner of the conference on Sunday, Oct. 14 at the Grand Geneva Resort.

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