Beryl Domingo's daughter, Stephanie, meets Sen. Kennedy at a speech in 2006.

"It has been a very sad day for me. When I heard of Senator Kennedy's passing this morning [Aug. 26th] I felt such a loss. He has done more for ordinary people than anyone I know in positions of power. He has done more to advance race and gender equity in the Senate and US government than anyone in history. He has been a PHENOMENAL Senator. I feel so fortunate that he was the Senator from my state and that I could vote for him ever since I became a citizen of this country. He sent my family a personalized letter congratulating us on attaining American citizenship. We will not see the likes of him ever again."

Beryl Domingo
State President AAUW of Massachusetts

"Living in Massachusetts, we have always been proud of Senator Kennedy's legislative legacy. Through the 2,500 bills he helped author, he significantly changed the lives of all individuals in the areas of education, health, civil rights and justice, and foreign affairs. Women and families can be especially appreciative of the economic security offered through Medicare and Medicaid, Family and Medical Leave Act, Title IX, Voting Rights Act, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, among others.

We had many opportunities to hear Senator Kennedy advocate for so many issues. One memorable event for me was his keynote at the Greater Boston Food Bank fundraising event on behalf of a food pantry/distribution facility feeding 18,000 people a day. In his passionate, ringing voice, he declared, 'It is unconscionable, UNCONSCIONABLE, that hunger exists in America!' Many donors that day were moved to contribute to the cause.

In lighter, more celebratory moments, we laughed with him as he joined in song during the annual May Dinner at the JFK Library in Boston. There, the joie de vivre of the Kennedy family was shared with everyone as members of the family honored the winners of the Profiles in Courage award.

We will miss Senator Kennedy mightily — for his courage, perseverance and passionate commitment toward the welfare of all."

Patricia Ho
AAUW Director-at-Large

"Ted Kennedy, the man whose contemporary concept of social justice is unsurpassed, across the aisle, remains … My Hero!"

Connie M. Hildebrand
AAUW Board of Directors

"Women in America have lost a loyal friend and supporter. Senator Kennedy promoted legislation that addressed the priorities of AAUW in working for equal rights for women and their families—in education, in the workplace, in the community."

Elaine W. Hughes, Ph.D.,
AAUW of Alabama
Former chair, AAUW Public Policy Committee

"I met Edward Kennedy in 1960, when I was a sophomore at Texas Woman's University and he was campaigning for his brother for president. I think he'd been given Texas and the South since everyone considered them a lost cause anyway. He was not at all impressive personally at that meeting, but we were all thrilled to shake hands with 'Jack's brother."

I admit this rather embarrassing lack of perception on my part to emphasize how a person can grow into their calling. Once Sen. Kennedy abandoned his family's expectations to have another Kennedy in the White House, he settled in to become a quintessential advocate for all the civil rights AAUW has worked for throughout our history.

I think, too, seeing how his beloved sister, Eunice, was marginalized as far as family expectations go, may have helped him realize how women are often not recognized or encouraged. His unwavering support of Title IX may have come from this relationship.

We have lost a great partner in our fight for equity.

Jackie Littleton
AAUW Secretary

"The passing of Senator Ted Kennedy is a loss to AAUW. His steadfast concern for the rights of all and particularly those facing discrimination is his lasting legacy. There is now a deep void in the Senate without his eloquent voice and commitment to what is right and good for all."

Patricia Sween
Past President AAUW of Minnesota

"We mourn Senator Ted Kennedy, a friend of AAUW, but his 'dreams live on.' He convinced the Senate to pass many bills that are consistent with AAUW's Public Policy. He didn't waiver in supporting Civil Rights, Title IX, and women's reproductive rights, among others. When he visited Utah during the 1974 campaign of his former young aide, the late Congressman Wayne Owens, Senator Kennedy gave a rousing speech. Even in that conservative state, he remained true to his principles and spoke against the Vietnam War and social injustice. He also took time to shake hands with every one of us campaign workers, making us feel that we could make a difference in our country. His inspiration and commitment will be missed."

Marie Wolbach, Palo Alto, CA
Former AAUW Board Member
Former AAUW CA Program Vice President

"What a sad day for America. Senator Kennedy was there for everyone that needed a voice."

Florence Baturin