Mortar Board Hosts Carole Keeton Strayhorn to Celebrate Women's Day

by Katie Brooks, student newswriter, (254) 710-1961

Mortar Board's annual Women's Day celebration will feature guest speaker Carole Keeton Strayhorn at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, at the SBC Theatre in the Mayborn Museum.

Strayhorn is former Texas state comptroller of public records, and many will remember her "One Tough Grandma" gubernatorial campaign in November, according to Matt Hadad, Women's Day public relations liaison of Mortar Board. Strayhorn will speak on women's success and accomplishments in the workplace and politics in general, Hadad said.

"Ms. Strayhorn is a pioneer in the field of politics for women in Texas. She is a vibrant and knowledgeable woman who can share insightful information on her experiences and what that means for women," Hadad said. "We would love to honor Ms. Strayhorn with a big turnout."

Her impact on Texas politics includes many notable firsts. Strayhorn was the first woman elected as mayor of Austin and the first Austin mayor elected to three consecutive terms. She was the first woman elected to the Texas Railroad Commission and the first woman elected as comptroller. She was the first woman to serve as president of the Austin school board and the first woman to serve as president of the Austin Community College board.

The Women's Day event, which celebrates successful women, is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Hadad at Matt_Hadad@baylor.edu.