Come celebrate the women of Emporia State University on Friday, March 29 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Phi Kappa Phi room of the Memorial Union. The Ethnic and Gender Studies program and the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies are sponsoring the reception.
Join the Emporia community in celebration of the 2019 Women’s History Month Reception and Awards Ceremony. The recipients of this year’s Ruth Schillinger Award, Dr. Mary F. Headrick Award, and Susan B. Anthony Scholarship also will be honored.
The first reception took place in March 1996 when the first Schillinger Award was presented to Ruth Schillinger herself. This year marks the 24th anniversary of the Schillinger Award.
The Ruth Schillinger Award is named after a former Dean of Women and ESU’s first Affirmative Action officer. To earn this award an individual must make extraordinary contributions to the women of Emporia State over a sustained period.
Mallory Koci, clinical instructor in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, is this year’s recipient. Ms. Koci teaches the Issues in Ethnic and Gender Studies courses, including the Honors course. In this course, she consistently works with students to explore social issues such as gender inequality, LBGTQ discrimination, and sexual harassment. In this and other courses focusing on women and gender, Ms. Koci emphasizes tearing down barriers to under-represented and oppressed populations. Through her work as a Kansas Leadership Center Faculty in Residence, Ms. Koci empowers students, faculty, and staff to be agents of social change. Ms. Koci currently serves on the Ethnic and Gender Studies Steering Committee.
The Mary Headrick Award is named after a former counselor in the ESU Counseling Center, who was known for helping women reach their full potential. This award is designed for those who make a long-term commitment to promoting the growth of women at ESU and in the community.
This year’s recipient of the Mary Headrick award is Kathy Landwehr, associate director of the ESU Student Advising Center. Ms. Landwehr is described as “a strong student advocate” who maintains relationships with students, initiated the First Gen student organization, and visits high schools to encourage early student success. For many women early education majors, she has been more than just their first advisor, but also a mentor and a role model to them.
Finally, the Susan B. Anthony Scholarship is awarded to an ESU student who has contributed significantly to the growth and education of women on the ESU campus, while achieving academic excellence.
Receiving the scholarship for the 2019-2020 academic year will be Victoria Goetzinger. Victoria is a junior sociology major, minoring in ethnic and gender studies, leadership, and geography. As a resident assistant, she has served and mentored women in the resident halls. As a student Senator, she was appointed to the Title IX Task Force, where she is helping to create positive changes for women and for all people on the ESU campus. As she transitions to being the Associated Student Government Vice-President next year, she hopes to continue to use her position and voice to advance and support women at ESU.
Friends and family of award recipients, students, and community members are welcome to join ESU as we honor dedicated and amazing women.