Erma Bombeck's Legacy Lives On Through Beloved Writers' Workshop

The annual conference celebrates 25 years of uplifting women's voices and honoring the humor icon's enduring impact.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:00am

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus scene depicting a group of women gathered together, their faces and forms softly blurred, conveying a sense of community and creative inspiration.The Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop provides a welcoming space for women to connect, find encouragement, and celebrate the enduring legacy of a beloved humor icon.Today in Dayton

The Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop, held annually at the University of Dayton, recently marked its 25th anniversary. The conference, which started as a one-time event to commemorate Bombeck's gift of her papers to her alma mater, has become a beloved tradition that sells out quickly each year. For the author, the workshop has been a literal dream come true, allowing her to connect with Bombeck's influential work and the community of writers it has inspired.

Why it matters

Erma Bombeck's columns, which syndicated from 1965 to 1996, offered a relatable and heartfelt perspective on the struggles and joys of motherhood. Her humor and honesty resonated with readers, including the author, who found Bombeck's writing to be a source of comfort and belonging during a pivotal time in her own life. The Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop continues to uplift women's voices and celebrate Bombeck's enduring legacy as a champion of equal rights and a beloved chronicler of the human experience.

The details

The author has attended the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop since 2012, and has even served as a presenter in recent years. The conference, which is known for its long waiting list, provides a space for writers to connect, find encouragement, and honor Bombeck's impact. Bombeck herself was a trailblazer, serving on President Carter's National Advisory Committee on Women and championing the Equal Rights Amendment, even as it ultimately failed to be ratified.

  • The Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2026.
  • The University of Dayton held the first workshop in 2000 as a one-time event to commemorate Bombeck's gift of her papers to the university.
  • Erma Bombeck's columns syndicated from 1965 to 1996.

The players

Erma Bombeck

A beloved American humorist and columnist whose syndicated columns from 1965 to 1996 offered a relatable and heartfelt perspective on the struggles and joys of motherhood.

Bonnie Jean Feldkamp

An author and columnist who has attended the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop since 2012 and has served as a presenter in recent years.

Mathew Bombeck

Erma Bombeck's son, who spoke at the 2016 Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop and said the conference is the best legacy for his mother.

Jimmy Carter

The former U.S. president who appointed Erma Bombeck to the National Advisory Committee on Women, where she championed the Equal Rights Amendment.

Bella Abzug

A prominent feminist and political leader who served on the National Advisory Committee on Women with Erma Bombeck.

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What they’re saying

“There is no better legacy for her than the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop. It lifts the voices of hundreds of women every year, and no matter what is happening in the outside world, it reminds us all that we belong.”

— Mathew Bombeck, Erma Bombeck's son

What’s next

The Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop will continue to celebrate Bombeck's legacy and uplift women's voices in the years to come, with the next conference scheduled for 2027.

The takeaway

The Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop has become a cherished annual tradition that not only honors the humor and humanity of Erma Bombeck's iconic work, but also fosters a supportive community for writers seeking to find their own voices and make a difference, just as Bombeck did through her columns and advocacy.