LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - At the August 27 opening meeting, Lock Haven University honored two employees with Women of Distinction Awards. Albert Jones, assistant to the president and associate director of human resources, presented the awards on behalf of the President’s Commission on the Status of Women.

Professor Shonah A. Hunter, a member of the Department of Biological Sciences, received the 2009 Faculty Woman of Distinction Award in recognition of her mentorship of colleagues and students. Jones quoted from the nomination form which cited Hunter’s influence on others: “Her influence and positive guidance have continued through her careful mentoring of new faculty members.” The nomination continued, “She continues to be the first faculty who truly starts to shape the scientific thinking of our students and ‘rounds out’ their college experience through the First Year Student Seminar, which she helped to develop.” The nomination noted that “She is a model to students, especially young women, entering the field of biology. She shows that there is a place for everyone, regardless of gender, in the laboratory and in the field. She is a professional in every sense and lends a guiding hand to students and colleagues.”

The 2009 Staff Woman of Distinction Award went to Dr. Carol A. Latronica, dean of student development, in recognition of the work she performs for students, and for the “lending hand and listening ear” she extends to faculty and staff. The statement nominating Latronica said, “She counsels, advises and helps the women in the sororities to become strong female leaders for the future. She oversees their activities and keeps them grounded and positive. She also is instrumental in pushing them to reach their goals and represent Lock Haven now and in the future in a constructive way.” The nomination also cited Latronica’s committee service and her hard work with orientation. “The students and parents are never at a loss because of the minute details Carol has taken care of with each dimension of orientation.”

In the spring, graduating art major Alice Alexandrescu received the 2009 Student Woman of Achievement Award for her contributions to the university, including her leadership in the LHU Fine Arts Society.