Over the years, we have counted among our members many illustrious women:
Margaret McWilliams did much to further economic, cultural and spiritual betterment of Canada through her service to civic, provincial and national bodies. She was the first woman to graduate with a degree in political economy from the University of Toronto (1898). A charter member of the University Women's Club of Winnipeg, she served as its President in 1913, and within a few years transformed its mission to one of education and social reform. In 1919, she was a founder and first President of the Canadian Federation of University Women. As a writer, historian and political scientist she published a book of women's history, Women of Red River (1923), a book on her impressions of Russia, (1927), a history of Manitoba (1928), a Blueprint for Canadian Social and Economic Reform (1931) and a book on the Political Institutions of Canada (1948).
In the 1930's, McWilliams served four consecutive terms as Winnipeg's second woman alder(wo)man, and became chair of the important Health and Unemployment Relief committees. In the 1940's, she helped revitalize the Manitoba Historical Society and was president when an unprecedented amount of research was conducted, an achievement yet unparalleled. As a writer and a lecturer on current events, and as Chairperson of the Subcommittee on Post-war Problems of Women (of the Advisory Committee on Reconstruction) in 1943, McWilliams made significant contributions to Canadian information and public affairs. She established and maintained a Continuing Education program in politics and current events for women. In her honour the Margaret McWilliams College was established at the University Women's Club of Winnipeg.
Internationally, McWilliams provided inspiration as a charter member and Vice President of the International Federation of University Women (1920); as a delegate to the Pacific Relations Conference in Hanchow 1931; as an advisor to the federal government's delegation to the labour conference at the League of Nations, and as a Canadian delegate to the United Nations.
An Honorary Doctorate was bestowed by the University of Toronto, 1948.
Margaret McWilliams symbolizes the tenacious spirit so often displayed in Winnipeg's civic, social and political existence. She was a founder and the first president of the Canadian Federation of University Women which today has 130 branches across Canada. The CFUW was the driving force behind the establishment of the International Federation of University Women in 1920. All three levels, local, national and international, promote the pursuit of knowledge, education, improvement of the status of women, human rights and active participation in public affairs. CFUW supports students through active involvement in educational programs, and through scholarships, bursaries and awards. Local branches across Canada award approximately $250,000 annually. In Winnipeg, $10,500 was awarded this year to students at The University of Manitoba and The University of Winnipeg. This amount grows as the scholarship fund increases, and/or interest rates climb. Nationally, the CFUW provides $40,000 in fellowships and awards annually, including the $10,000 Margaret McWilliams Doctoral Fellowship, open to all Canadians and those who have landed immigrant status for one year.
This is Margaret McWilliams' legacy to Winnipeg!