Soroptomist House re-dedicated

A gift to Cal State Long Beach from Soroptomist International of Long Beach, the Soroptomist House was re-dedicated on Oct. 3 to celebrate its 40th year on campus.

“We are here to pay homage to those who made this place possible,” said Jana Martin, president of Soroptomist International of Long Beach.

Soroptomist International is the world’s largest women’s community organization that is made up of executive and managerial women from business, industry, government and education, Martin said.

Soroptomist comes from the Latin words “soro” and “optima” meaning “best for women.”

Hidden by ivy and located in a dim area, the Soroptomist House is often unnoticed by students. When it was established on campus, the Soroptomist House was used as a women’s shelter, student union and child care center.

More recently, the house is used for meetings, speeches and weddings. President Robert Maxson said in a speech at the re-dedication ceremony that when people visit the Soroptomist House, they are impressed by its beauty.

“It’s the most beautiful place on campus,” he said.

Congressman Stephen Horn, former president of CSULB, was also in attendance at the ceremony.

“The Soroptomist House is a wonderful place because it’s available for students, alumni and faculty to use,” Horn said.

Martin explained that in 1956, SILB wanted to turn their focus of service towards education and noticed that CSULB had no place built for students. The group then began to hold fashion shows, rummage sales and pancake sales to raise money to build a place on campus for students.

“They raised $19,000 for the house,” Martin said. “That’s very impressive for 1956.”

Through fund-raising, SILB provides cash grants to local non-profit agencies who serve women, children and the elderly. Other beneficiaries of the organization include the Long Beach Children’s Clinic, the YWCA WomenShelter and Meals on Wheels.