To kick off March as Women's History Month, the achievements of women students, faculty and staff members were celebrated at an awards banquet sponsored by the Women's Commission.
Gretchen Galbraith, chair and associate professor of history, received the Barbara Jordan Award, presented by Women and Gender Studies to a longtime advocate of women’s issues on campus. Maria Cimitile introduced Galbraith and called her a "vocal and unswerving advocate for women and gender studies, the university and West Michigan community."
"She has improved conditions for women at Grand Valley and is a consistent advocate for equitable treatment for all students," said Cimitile, academic program and curriculum development officer.
Jo Ann Wassenaar, associate director of the Women’s Center, received the Maxine Swanson Award, presented by the Women's Commission to a leader who has supported women’s rights on campus. Erin Busscher, academic advisor for the Kirkhof College of Nursing, introduced Wassenaar and said she "makes Grand Valley a better place through her activism."
Wassenaar is a member of the Lakeshore Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, and chaired a Grand Valley committee that successfully established a career coach position.
Women's Impact Awards were presented to Lois Smith Owens, director of recruitment and admissions for Social Work, and Dana Munk, associate professor of movement science.
The Women's Center presented Outstanding Female Student Awards to Amanda Clark, Meredith Osborne, Susana Villagomez, Kearra Vinson and Kirsten Zeiter.
Positive Black Women presented scholarships to Latrice Jones, Ambra Rogers, Amani Andrews, Lauren McElrath and Patricia Bogard.
The recipient of the Jean Enright Scholarship was Jessica
Krebs.
