Several of the 2009 LHU Woman of Distinction Awards nominees were present on March 12 for “Let Her Voice Be Heard.” Left to right: Paulette Davidson, Kathy Richards, Kristie Warren, Jody Preische, Jennifer Sine, Alice Alexandrescu, Cheryl Orndorf, Sally Lima, Elizabeth Gruber, Tara Mitchell, Gayatri Devi, Kim Alexander, Nicole Burkholder-Mosco and Lisette Schillig.

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - Lock Haven University is pleased to announce the nominees for the Eleventh Annual Woman of Distinction Awards.

The Woman of Distinction Awards honor women who go above and beyond in their service to the campus and the community. Special emphasis is placed on service to further women’s issues on campus or in the community.

There are three award categories: student, staff and faculty. All award winners’ names will be displayed in the lobby of the Parsons Union Building on the LHU campus. Each winner will also receive an individual plaque and a monetary award. The student award will be presented during spring convocation. Faculty and staff awards will be presented at the President’s open fall meeting.

The 2009 Woman of Distinction selection committee is chaired by Erin Kennedy, assistant professor of psychology. Kennedy predicted that the judges’ task will not be easy. “It will be tough to decide among such wonderful women,” she said. “And what's interesting to consider is how much amazing work is being done and off campus that wasn't officially recognized by a nomination,” Kennedy added. “We definitely have a good crop of nominees this year!”

The 2009 nominees were announced on March 12 at “Let Her Voice Be Heard,” a reading and reception honoring LHU women. The event was sponsored by LHU Women’s Studies and the President’s Council on the Status of Women.

Faculty nominees for Woman of Distinction are Kim Alexander, associate professor of sociology; Ramona Broomer, assistant professor of performing arts; Laurie Cannady, assistant professor of English; Valerie Dixon, interim director of the Clearfield Campus; Jessica Hosley, associate professor of graduate studies; Shonah Hunter, professor of biology; Amy Kutay, associate professor of biology; Sally Lima, professor of elementary education; Paddy O’Hara-Mays, professor of graduate studies; Jody Preische, assistant professor of health sciences/athletic training; Christine Remley, associate professor of special education/early childhood education; Kathy Richards, assistant professor, elementary/secondary education; Pat Rudy, head coach, field hockey; Therese Sayers, assistant professor of nursing; Lisette Schillig, assistant professor of English; Denise Tyson, associate professor, special education/early childhood education. Also nominated are Elizabeth Gruber, assistant professor of English, with the HOPE (Haven Outreach Program for Empowerment) Advisory Board: Kim Alexander, associate professor of sociology; Nicole Burkholder-Mosco, assistant professor of English; Laurie Cannady, assistant professor of English; Gayatri Devi, assistant professor of sociology; Tara Mitchell, assistant professor of sociology; and Lisette Schillig, assistant professor of English.

Staff nominees are Marie Fair, secretary, nursing; Deana Hill, director of human resources; Carol Latronica, dean, student development; Jean Mason, secretary, academic development and counseling; Cindy Merryman, police supervisor, public safety; Jill Mitchley, registrar; and Vicki Paulina, course developer, office of academic technology.

Student nominees are Alice Alexandrescu, senior, art major; Paulette Davidson, senior, social work major; Gwen Grieb, sophomore/junior (3+2), health science/pre-PA major; Cheryl Orndorf, junior, communication major; Dominique Simons, senior, health science major; Jennifer Sine, senior, English major; and Kristie Warren, senior, therapeutic recreation major.