Jan VanGasse

IRON MOUNTAIN — Jan VanGasse has been elected president of the state of Michigan chapter of the American Association of University Women, the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Branch of the AAUW announced.

She is the third AAUW of Michigan president from the Upper Peninsula and the first from the Iron Mountain-Kingsford branch. VanGasse has contributed her time and skills as an officer and on many committees in the local chapter since 2002.

VanGasse earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. She has been dedicated to education in Michigan as a teacher, counselor and director of instruction, as well as other positions. She has served on Michigan’s Special Education Advisory Committee as well as local organizations, including Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel, or MARSP; Communities that Care; Upper Peninsula Human Trafficking Task Force; Dickinson County Community Chorus; and Dickinson County 100-Plus Women Who Care. This is only a small example of her accomplishments and service.

AAUW is a nationally recognized nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that strives to promote equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy. The Iron Mountain-Kingsford Branch of AAUW supports this mission by providing scholarships for area women to attend a two- or four-year college or university of their choice. The group also advances equity for women and girls through its mission-based programs, Speech Trek competition, annual book sale, candidates’ forums and Start Smart workshop.

For more information, contact Cathy Spice, membership vice president, at 906-774-0508 or cathrynspice@gmail.