On Monday, Oct. 29, Saint Louis University women gathered in attendance for a presentation on “Becoming an Exceptional Woman,” sponsored by the Panhellenic Council.

Anne Bakker-Gras and Mary Lucas, who have been speaking to college women all across the country for the past three years, touched on topics ranging from the roles women have played in history to the ideals of self-esteem and confidence.

Bakker-Gras and Lucas did this only after speaking about the encouraging and caring environment they hope to provide for women. This idea provided many of the young women in attendance the confidence to share personal experiences.

Some of the women felt a desire to express how other women have affected their lives in an inspirational way.

“It was really great to have so many different women on campus sharing experiences that most of us could relate to,” said Elena Humphrey, a sophomore Gamma Phi Beta who attended the seminar, along with many other Greek women.

This is certainly in tune with Bakker-Gras goal for any presentation that she gives.

“The most important part for me is to see them interacting and connecting with each other and the trusting enough to share in light of the encouraging supportiveness,” she said.

The various discussions from defining what makes women exceptional to how women can contribute to their own success provided an opportunity for women of the SLU community to share a night bonded as women.

“This seminar provides an opportunity for women to talk together about our experiences. We as women really need that,” said presenter Lucas.

Her co-presenter echoed this thought and added, “This interaction, in turn, provides a real sense of excitement about being a woman.”

Kate Farrell, Panhellenic Programming Chair, was responsible for bringing the speakers to campus.

Farrell planned the night with the hope that SLU women would not only strive to be more exceptional, but also to recognize such qualities they already possess.

“Women always have room to better themselves, and this program was the perfect chance for our ladies to shine,” said Farrell.

The presenters hoped that the experience would not only impact the women’s own lives but also those lives that the women touch in their various activities.

“These women are members of such a wide variety of activities on campus,” Bakker Gras continued.

“Recognizing their own exceptional qualities can improve their effectiveness in all the activities to which they contribute,” said Bakker-Gras.