Mader receives Lifetime Achievement award

About 15 years ago, Cynthia Mader, associate professor of education, led initiatives that improved the working climate for women on campus. Among Mader's lasting contributions was serving as one of the founders of the Women's Commission.

When Mader received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women's Commission March 13, she said there was not another university award that would mean more to her. Mader's award was presented during the annual Celebrating Women Awards Ceremony.

In the mid-1990s, the commission conducted a campus climate study that revealed concerns, including inequities in salary. A subsequent salary review by a consultant confirmed inequities and resulted in pay increases for some faculty and staff members on campus. The commission also played a vital role in the hiring of Grand Valley's first vice president for planning and equity, and helped establish a task force to research the viability of a women’s center on campus.

“The world has moved forward since the ’90s and so has Grand Valley,” said Mader. “It’s such a different place than it was 15 years ago.”

Mader cited the Women’s Center, Women and Gender Studies, LGBT Resource Center and Positive Black Women — now considered campus mainstays — as initiatives that grew from the efforts of the Women’s Commission more than a decade ago.

Other awards were presented at the Celebrating Women Awards Ceremony. Harriet Singleton, senior counselor for the Counseling Center, received the Maxine Swanson Award, presented to an individual who advocates for the rights of women on campus.

Singleton co-founded Positive Black Women, an organization of African American faculty and staff members who have contributed more than $28,000 in scholarship money since it was established.

Women and Gender Studies presented its Barbara Jordan Award to Grace Coolidge, associate professor of history.

There were two recipients of the Women’s Impact Award: Debra Ross, associate professor of criminal justice; and Pat Smith, deputy university counsel.

Michelle Duram, history department coordinator, received the Unsung Hero Award.

The Women’s Center named three students as Outstanding Student recipients: Molly Barnard, Elizabeth Bryker and Jessica Krebs. Monique Tumbleson earned the Jean Enright Scholarship.

Six students earned PBW scholarships: Leiah Hess, Kendra Hoskins, Nicole Moore, Andrea Taylor, Patricia Ware and Dmitri Westbrook.