A new organization launched at Catholic University in Washington this fall to support Catholic women in academia.
The American Academy of Catholic Women was established by Catholic U.’s James Cardinal Gibbons Institute for Human Ecology. AACW was created for women who are dedicated to integrating their Catholic faith with their academic work. The academy supports women professionally in their academic fields alongside their vocations as mothers or consecrated religious, whether they be graduate students or tenured professors.
“Higher education is at an inflection point, and the church needs Catholic women scholars contributing their faith and intellect to colleges and universities, both Catholic and secular. The AACW exists to form, support and connect these women,” said Catherine Pakaluk, executive director of the Gibbons Institute and economics professor at Catholic U., who also serves as AACW president.
“Drawing inspiration from the church’s rich tradition of elevating the dignity of women and the family, the AACW will form and support Catholic women academics for faithful service in Catholic and secular colleges and universities,” said Matalyn Vennerstrom, founding director of AACW. “(I am) humbled to be part of supporting and forming the next generation of Catholic women scholars.”
Future AACW initiatives include events and conferences, fellowships and awards for emerging female Catholic academics, workshops, networking opportunities, and publications and resources.
Women who serve as lecturers, researchers or professors in any capacity at a college or university in the United States can request membership.
Find out more
To learn more about the American Academy of Catholic Women, go to americanacademyofcatholicwomen.org.
