State recognizes nine women at awards ceremony
Dustin Barnes, The Reflecotr
Many local women were honored at an awards ceremony yesterday in the John Grisham Room at the Mitchell Memorial Library.
In a reception and ceremony hosted by the President’s Commission on the Status of Women, nine women were recognized for their achievements. AmSouth Bank also sponsored the reception.
The list of categories and winners read: Outstanding Executive, Administrative, Managerial Woman Award- Susan L. Holder; Outstanding Faculty Woman Award- Joan R. Mylroie; Outstanding Non-Faculty Woman Award- Sigrid Ostlund; Outstanding Technical/Paraprofessional Woman Award- Jane M. Flowers; Betty Douglas Memorial Outstanding Secretarial/Clerical Woman Award- Judith D. Goodman; Outstanding Service/Maintenance Woman Award- Sharon Ervin; Outstanding Undergraduate Woman Award- Laura Beth Dong; Outstanding Graduate Woman Award- Mahnas Jean Mohammadii-Aragh Mitra Yoonessi; Outstanding Community Woman Award- Diana Bridges.
After being nominated by their colleagues, the winners and those who nominated them were informed prior to the event. Each winner was introduced by the person who had submitted their name for consideration before the commission.
The chair for the commission, Connie Templeton, applauded the great group of nominees this year. She also thanked Sammy Slaughter, president of the AmSouth Bank for his continued support of the commission.
Each winner received a plaque certifying their accomplishments and a monetary award.
“Before getting an award you have to be surrounded by wonderful people,” said Holder. “I am fortunate to have some great colleagues. You also have to have a great passion for the work you do,” she added, referring to her involvement in the 4-H program and her enjoyment in working with kids in Mississippi.
Mylroie was shocked to receive her award, saying that the experience was just amazing.
A member of the commission who decided the winners, Dr. Hannah Britton said she was proud to be involved with such a long running tradition.
The reception followed the awards ceremony. President Lee greeted the guests, and Slaughter remarked on the success of the commission. Jan Batchelder, the chair-elect for the commission, presented the awards to the women.