The Women’s Commission at Saint Louis University will honor five “Women of the Year” on Wednesday, April 23. The luncheon will be held 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Saint Francis Xavier College Church Ballroom. The entire SLU community is invited to attend and celebrate the contributions of these women.
The women chosen this year represent five different areas of the SLU community: administration, faculty, professional staff, support staff and students.
Kathy Humphrey, vice president for student development, will receive the award for the administration. “I am grateful and extremely honored that the people who work the closest with me have nominated me for this award,” Humphrey said. “I’m getting an award for a job that I truly love doing.”
Margaret Herning, Ph.D., who will receive the award for faculty, is an associate professor of physical therapy in the Doisy School of Allied Health Professions.
“This award is very special and a wonderful boost,” Herning said. “The Women’s Commission recognizes the contributions made by many women here at Saint Louis University. I am very grateful.”
Chris Regan, who will receive the award for professional staff, is the director of Service Operations. “Throughout the years, I have admired the choices made by our employees to continuously learn and grow on both a personal and professional level,” Regan said. “This award reminds me that the work that I’m doing makes a positive difference in the lives of others.”
Iris Hampton has served the SLU community for 19 years and is the administrative assistant in the public policy studies office in the college of Public Service. “I wasn’t expecting this award and was really surprised,” Hampton said. “The honor is an added bonus to what I already love to do.”
Vanessa Williams will graduate in May with a degree in aerospace engineering. She has already signed a contract to work with the Boeing Co. “I was very excited and surprised when I found out I was selected,” Williams said. “It’s an honor to even be nominated.”
As Dean of Women in 1977, Mary Bruemmer was the first recipient of the “Woman of the Year Award.” It has been an annual award since 1978, when the Women’s Commission adopted the project.
The Awards Committee of the Women’s Commission receives letters of nomination from the University community, and makes the choice based on the motto of the Commission: “Education, Enrichment and Empowerment.” Other criteria include service work, community involvement, contributions to their field and a dedication to the increasing cultural diversity in the SLU and St. Louis communities.
The cost is $15 per person to attend the luncheon. Reservations can be made in the Women’s Commission Office (DuBourg Hall 359) or by calling 977-2212.
