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Local Soroptimist Members Celebrate Honors and Anniversaries
By Julie Carlson
The Soroptimist International Camino Real Region recently honored Maureen Bateman and Dr. Annie Chin Siu, two members of the Soroptimist Alhambra club. These individuals were recognized for their longstanding membership in the organization as well as their commitment to service, which has helped women and girls.
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Maureen Bateman, who joined Soroptimist in 1981, received a special commemorative 40-year pin. Bateman is a retired junior high school teacher. She was also a school VP, and a Principal of two schools in the Garvey Unified School District. Later, she served at the District level in administration, retiring in 2003. For 21 years, she
was a member of Lincoln Training Center board of directors. Bateman has also dedicated her time to the Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat House in Sierra Madre and Ramona Convent Secondary School, of which she is an alum.
“I joined Soroptimist in order to help women, and in the 40 years I have seen it expand out to help women and girls,” she said. “I was able to meet a lot of new people I have never known before. In my 40 years in Soroptimist, I have been very proud to help support women and girls in their endeavors to succeed.”
For her long-time membership, Dr. Annie Chin Siu, also received a beautiful 65- year pin. In 1950, Siu was the first woman and first Chinese woman to attend the UC San Francisco’s Dental School. She opened her own practice in Alhambra five years later. Dr. Siu is also a retired professor of undergraduate orthodontics at the School of Dentistry at USC. She served on boards of the YMCA, United Way, and was the president of the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Siu implemented the Rose Queen and Court luncheon in Alhambra.
“Making a difference in people’s lives is creating the network of life – like weaving a fabric that supports and enhances life,” she said. “Be brave by opening doors and walking through them to experience new opportunities for yourself and others.”
To learn more about Soroptimist visit www.soroptimstalhambra.org.
