Anne Hakim is a 2019-20 CEW+ Scholar! Center for the Education of Women | University of Michigan
MARGARET DOW TOWSLEY SCHOLARSHIP
The life and work of Margaret Dow Towsley has opened countless doors for women and children and immeasurably improved the life of the Ann Arbor community. After completing a bachelor’s degree at the U-M and a master’s degree at Columbia University Teachers College, Margaret Towsley taught preschool at the University School in Ann Arbor, married pediatrician Dr. Harry Towsley, and started a family. A neighborhood summer playgroup in her home became the Children’s Play School, which thrived for more than 53 years. Margaret was one of the first
persons in Ann Arbor to acknowledge the special needs of children and working mothers, and her leadership helped inspire and shape the Perry Nursery School. An early believer in
equal access for women, Margaret was a major force in creating a gender-integrated Ann Arbor YMCA. When women and their organizations needed a home of their own, she helped establish
the Women’s City Club. An active political leader, she became the first woman elected to the Ann Arbor City Council. Those who knew Margaret Towsley describe her as a woman devoted
to her family and as a mother who fostered in her five daughters an independence of spirit and a confidence to reach for their own stars. Her quiet and sustained support nourished the CEW+
Scholarship Program since its founding. Returning women students have benefited in untold ways from her faith in the Center and her belief in educational opportunities for women. Indeed,
Margaret Towsley always acted upon the premise that, given support and nurturing, all people can achieve their dreams.
http://www.cew.umich.edu/news-story/congratulations-to-the-2019-20-cew-scholars/
persons in Ann Arbor to acknowledge the special needs of children and working mothers, and her leadership helped inspire and shape the Perry Nursery School. An early believer in
equal access for women, Margaret was a major force in creating a gender-integrated Ann Arbor YMCA. When women and their organizations needed a home of their own, she helped establish
the Women’s City Club. An active political leader, she became the first woman elected to the Ann Arbor City Council. Those who knew Margaret Towsley describe her as a woman devoted
to her family and as a mother who fostered in her five daughters an independence of spirit and a confidence to reach for their own stars. Her quiet and sustained support nourished the CEW+
Scholarship Program since its founding. Returning women students have benefited in untold ways from her faith in the Center and her belief in educational opportunities for women. Indeed,
Margaret Towsley always acted upon the premise that, given support and nurturing, all people can achieve their dreams.
http://www.cew.umich.edu/news-story/congratulations-to-the-2019-20-cew-scholars/
