PULLMAN, Wash. – Awards for Washington State University Woman of the Year and Women of Distinction will be presented at the annual Women’s Recognition Luncheon and Symposium at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 8, in the CUB ballroom.
This year’s theme is “Honoring Women’s Resilience.” The keynote speaker will be Noel Schulz, WSU first lady and professor of engineering.
The awards are given by the WSU President’s Commission on the Status of Women. Eight women will be recognized for their resiliency, achievements and contributions to the academic and local community and to society.
The 2017 Woman of Year is Sheila Kearney Converse, a clinical associate professor of music and voice who has served many years on the Faculty Senate: “She teaches to benefit the mind, body and soul and as though every breath she takes is for the betterment and growth of her students,” said one nominator.
Sue M. Durrant, a WSU alumna, faculty member and head coach, will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. She fought for women’s equity in collegiate athletics programs, and her inspiring legacy continues to shape WSU today.
Six women will be honored as Women of Distinction:
* Fadumo Ali, WSU undergraduate student, communications and political science
* Melanie Thornton, WSU graduate student, environmental and natural resource sciences
* Marcela Carrillo Pattinson, assistant director of community relations, Multicultural Student Services
* Amy G. Mazur, professor, School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs
* Jacqueline van Wormer, Spokane County senior regional criminal justice administrator and WSU alumna
* Marie Dymkoski, executive director, Pullman Chamber of Commerce
The luncheon/symposium is hosted by the Women’s Resource Center and the President’s Commission on the Status of Women and is supported by the Office of the President and the larger WSU community.
News media contacts:
Sarah Smith, sarah.smith7@wsu.edu
Holly Campbell, 509-335-7231, hmcampbell@wsu.edu