Drury Women’s Auxiliary (DWA) is hosting its annual scholarship auction and dinner this Saturday, Feb. 17 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The theme is “Into the Future” and will feature Rib Crib BBQ, pictures with our Drury Panther, Pouncer, and an opportunity to win various prizes.

Member of DWA, Stephanie Chipman, explains what her auction committee has planned.

“The ‘Into the Future’ auction is an opportunity for alumni and friends of Drury to come to together and celebrate following (hopefully) two DU wins on the basketball court at O’Reilly,” said Chipman.

According to Chipman, prizes include, “a chef-prepared dinner in-home for eight to a weekend at Big Cedar to spa packages to artwork by DU faculty and alumni. The proceeds from the auction go to student scholarships. Supporting students is a huge part of our mission as an organization.”

Chipman continued, saying, “The auction provides an opportunity for many of us to ‘pay it forward.’ I remember being in high school and thinking that Drury’s tuition would be beyond reach financially; through scholarships, I graduated from Drury.  I still love being a DU Panther and am honored to now help current Drury students.”

An outstanding organization

According to the History and Mission of Drury Women’s Auxiliary supplied by the DWA president Susan Kirby, the DWA was first created by Drury’s fourth president, J. Edward Kirbye, in 1906. Not many Drury students know about DWA, even though their presence can be seen in the many ways they help around campus.

Drury Ambassadors advisor, Andrea Battaglia, explains the impact of DWA.

“Drury Women’s Auxiliary supports students and contributes annually to student scholarships and special projects to benefit students – like Solar Decathalon, Matthew 25, Residence Life and the student emergency fund,” said Battaglia.  “Many students have benefited from DWA members involvement and support throughout the years – and many may not even know it!”

Ambassadors president and junior, Lindsey Hedrick, explained her own involvement with DWA.

“I was asked by Stephanie Chipman to have ambassadors help with the auction. Myself and four other members are doing a 50-50 raffle ticket drawing at the auction and helping where they need extra help. Ambassadors wants to have more of an impact with various alumni events, so we were immediately on board with the idea of helping with the auction,” said Hedrick.

Additional Impacts

DWA is also responsible for the Final Care Kits that are given to students to help them through finals week. The Final Care Kits are one of the many ways the DWA fundraises in order to give scholarships to Drury students.

“I’m not sure why people don’t know about DWA. I know that they help with the finals care packages but that’s all I knew of them as a student. Once I went to their meeting, I was amazed at how dedicated these ladies are to Drury and Drury students,” said Hedrick. “They have a DWA scholarship that they give to students who apply and get it. I think that’s awesome, they are very dedicated women who love Drury. I hope they get more involved with student organizations and Greek life because some of them are alums.”

Drury Women’s Auxiliary does more than most individuals realize. From their auction events to the finals week care packages, DWA is always looking for different ways to give back to the Drury community.

One can buy a ticket to the annual scholarship auction and dinner for $30, knowing that the money only goes back to help fellow Drury students.