Carolyn Patton Conley

is honored with a Brick from Soroptimist International Of Wichita , Inc.

Carolyn Patton Conley was born in Detroit, MI and came to Wichita at age two. She married Norman Conley in 1967 and became the mother of Sean Conley in 1978. Carolyn graduated from Wichita State University with a BBA in 1966 and earned an MS in accounting in 1967. She completed the requirements to become a certified public accountant in 1969 at a time when few women had entered the accounting profession.

Soroptimist International of Wichita, KS, Inc. gives this brick in recognition of her 25 years of service to the YWCA of Wichita. Carolyn became committed to the cause of domestic violence in 1975 after reading a magazine article that opened her eyes to a situation she had not heard of before and she immediately began work on plans to create a safe house for victims of domestic violence. That shelter became known as the YWCA Women's Crisis Center. Carolyn has remained active with the YWCA to the present, serving 22 years on the board, holding every office at least once, including serving as president from 1997 through 1999. In recognition of her continued service and contribution, Carolyn was granted board member emeritus status in 2000.

Carolyn has served the community in a variety of other ways as well. This includes, but not limited to: the Historic Wichita Board (1981-87, president 1983-87); The City of Wichita Employees Retirement Board (1987-95, including two years as president); The City of Wichita Police and Fire Retirement Board (1995 to present, including one year as vice president); Wichita/Sedgwick County Historical Museum Board of Trustees (1991-95 and 1997-2001, president 1995 and 1997-2001); Wichita/Sedgwick County Historical Museum Endowment Board (secretary 1994 to present); Wichita Commission on the Status of Women (1976-1981, president 1976-77); Soroptomist International of Wichita (1987 to present); Community Relations Task Force (1987-89, worked with city legal department to draft the Hate Crime Ordinance of Wichita); Leadership 2000/Wichita (1983); Leadership Kansas (1987); Leadership America (1991); and delegate to White House Conference on Small Business (1986).

Carolyn is being recognized for her courage, dedication and endurance to stand up for her vision for a safe house for the victims of domestic violence. Carolyn is also honored for her commitment to making Wichita a better place to live for all due to her active community involvement.

September 3, 2000