Five faculty, staff and students are recognized for fostering a positive on-campus climate for women.
Caption: University President Geraldine M. Jones (center) with Yareli Lara (left), Dr. Sheri Boyle, Joelle Swyka and Allison Franco, recipients of Person of the Year awards. Patricia McClain also was honored.
The Cal U community gathered to celebrate Women's History Month at the ninth annual "A Celebration of Women" banquet on March 5 at the Convocation Center.
"Women's History Month is an opportunity to highlight the contributions women have made to our nation's past and to contemporary society," University President Geraldine M. Jones said in opening remarks.
"Women's achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love have played a vital role in shaping our world. Today, more than ever, we see women standing together and speaking out to challenge social and legal structures, to demand an equal voice and to insist that women, men and families receive the respect they deserve."
Numerous groups, academic programs and activities that focus on women's roles at Cal U were represented at the dinner: the President's Commission for the Status of Women, the State System Women's Consortium, the Women's Center, the Women's Studies minor, the Vagina Monologues cast, Cal U Women United, and the Serene Institute Leadership Retreat.
The President's Commission for the Status of Women honored one faculty member, one staff member and three graduating seniors with Person of the Year awards for creating a positive campus climate for women's issues:
Dr. Sheri Boyle, chair of the Department of Social Work, is a former member of the President's Commission who inspires students in and out of the classroom.
"It is truly special for me to be recognized by my peers and friends, whom I have had the honor and pleasure of working with for the past 13 years," Boyle said. "My message to younger women in the audience was to seek out those women whom you can work with to do good work."
Patricia McClain, program assistant for the Faculty Professional Development Committee. She was chosen for her professionalism and collegiality.
"The President's Commission is an important organization, and its efforts on behalf of women at Cal U are commendable," said McClain, who was unable to attend the dinner. "I appreciated the nomination that was submitted on my behalf, and was truly honored to be selected for the award."
Joelle Swyka, a nontraditional undergraduate, will graduate in May with a degree in psychology and a minor in criminal justice. Swyka, who lost her sight several years ago, was honored as a role model for other students. She is a tutor in the Math Lab, and is considering pursuing her master's degree to provide instruction to others who are visually impaired.
"I was shocked when I read the information about the award," Swyka said. "I feel, as women, that we have to find our place in the world, because men are still given the most power and status. However, women who are very dedicated to succeeding can climb to the top of the ladder."
Yareli Lara, a traditional undergraduate, is a psychology major with minors in creative writing and Spanish. She is involved with the Women's Center and End Violence Center, the Hispanic Student Organization, the Frederick Douglass Debate Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Lara spoke about being inspired by a "cliché poster" with the familiar admonition to "be the change you wish to see in the world." She said she's taken the advice to heart and found that "nothing is more powerful than a woman who loves herself and empowers others."
Allison Franco, a graduate student, will earn her master's degree in social work. She is active in the Graduate Social Work Association at Cal U and participated in a Women's Studies campaign last focusing on working women. She also worked on The Vagina Monologues.
"I was honored by the award," Franco said. "It is not only an acknowledgement of the work I have done on campus for women, but also a challenge to continue to raise my voice, be bold, and to continue to advocate for women's equality."
The Office of the President, the Women's Center, Women's Studies, and the President's Commission for the Status of Women organized the banquet.