The nascent State College Branch forged a foundation committed to gender equity in education and women’s welfare. It purchased materials for libraries, established a loan fund to assist women students, and lobbied for physical education facilities and women’s restrooms in public buildings. It fought discrimination on co-ed campuses and pushed for national legislation that benefitted women and children. Members contributed $5 to help future Nobel Prize recipient Marie Curie buy radium, which was given to her by President Harding on behalf of American women. By mid-century, AAUW members were integral to enhancing the quality of life in a burgeoning State College. They funded and/or initiated local non-profits including the Food Bank, the Senior Citizens Center, the Voluntary Action Center, Schlow Memorial Library, the International Hospitality Council, and the Women’s Resource Center.