Washington State University’s 2017 Woman of the Year and Women of Distinction Awards will be presented at the Women’s Recognition Luncheon in Pullman, Washington, March 8, 2017, 11:30 a.m. in the CUB Ballroom.
Each year, Washington State University honors women whose lives, work and mentorship promote equality and wellbeing for their communities. This year’s theme is “Honoring Women’s Resilience.” The awards are given by the WSU President’s Commission on the Status of Women. This year eight women will be recognized for their resiliency, achievements and contributions to the academic and local community, and to our society.
The 2017 Woman of Year is Sheila Kearney Converse. We honor Sheila’s dedication to Washington State University as demonstrated in her post as a clinical associate professor of music and voice and in her unparalleled leadership in the faculty senate. Her nominators note that she works vigorously and effectively for the betterment of all faculty, staff and students, and she does so with passion and expertise. Dr. Converse is a leader in our community who encourages others to take on leadership roles, and a teacher whose students praise her; as one nominator states, “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.”
This year we also present Dr. Sue M. Durrant with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Durrant, a WSU alum, faculty member and head coach, fought a courageous battle for women’s equity in collegiate athletics programs. Her legacy continues to shape WSU today and her story is one of inspiration.
Six women will be honored as Women of Distinction for their many accomplishments and contributions. This year’s Woman of Distinction honorees are:
Fadumo Ali, WSU undergraduate student, communications and political science
Melanie Thornton, WSU graduate student, environmental and natural resource sciences
Marcela Carrillo Pattinson, Assistant Director, Community Relations and Outreach, 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’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Noel Schulz, Washington State University First Lady and professor of engineering. An accomplished scholar, Dr. Schulz is the recipient of numerous awards in her field, and an energetic mentor and advocate for women and underrepresented people in STEM fields.
The Women’s Recognition Luncheon and Symposium is hosted by the Women’s Resource Center and the President’s Commission on the Status of Women, and is made possible through the support of the Office of the President and the larger WSU community.
For more information contact Sarah Smith at sarah.smith7@wsu.edu, or Holly Campbell at hmcampbell@wsu.edu, 509-335-7231.
