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A History of Innovation

AWC Tulsa has its roots in an organization that was founded in 1909. The Association for Women in Communications evolved to become an overarching organization to unite communicators across a spectrum of disciplines—from print and broadcast journalism, to graphic design, photography, public relations, advertising, marketing, new media and more.

In 2023, the national organization closed, but AWC Tulsa continues the legacy of quality professional development programs, networking opportunities and celebration of local news leaders. This century-plus history is our foundation.

Timeline

1909

The time was 1909 and the place was the University of Washington, the second university in the nation to establish a journalism department.

1918

Close to the end of World War I in 1918, Theta Sigma Phi held its first national convention at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas.

1920s

The 1920s brought significant changes to Theta Sigma Phi. At the national convention in September, 1920, delegates finalized plans for “The Woman’s National Journalistic Register, Inc.,” an employment bureau for members.

1930s

During the 1930s, opportunities for women in other fields of communications began to increase and Theta Sigma strengthened as a national network.

1940s

By 1940, Theta Sigma Phi had 39 student chapters and 23 alumnae chapters.

1950s

The decade of the 1950s was challenging for female foreign correspondents with the aftermath of World War II and the beginning of the Korean War.

1960s

During the ‘60s, Theta Sigma Phi continued to identify new job opportunities for members with articles in The Matrix about setting up a free-lance public relations agency, improving writing craftsmanship and finding literacy markets.

1970s

The ‘70s began with more “firsts” by Theta Sigma Phi members. Jean Pearson, a science writer, became the first female reporter to go to the South Pole.

1980s

The decade began with the establishment of the Vanguard Award in 1980 to recognize positive, non-stereotypical portrayals of women in advertising and heighten general awareness of factors that enhance the image and status of women. United Technologies Corp. received the first Vanguard Award for its ad, “Let’s Get Rid of the Girl.”

1990s

Baby boomers dominated the work force. The Small Business Administration declared that in the ‘90s women would own 80 percent of all new businesses.

2000s

As AWC headed into the new millennium, the organization continued to hone its online presence, depending more and more on the online membership directory and database, publications and chapter leadership pages and guides.

2009

The Association for Women in Communications celebrated 100 years as an organization in Seattle at the National Conference on Oct. 15-17, 2009. AWC old and new friends, colleagues and communicators from across the country gathered to Celebrate the Past and Shape the Future.