Come celebrate the women of Emporia State University on Friday, March 30 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Sauder Alumni Center. The Ethnic and Gender Studies program and the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies are sponsoring the reception.
Join the women and men of the Emporia community in celebration of the 2018 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 23rd anniversary of the Schillinger Award.
The Ruth Schillinger Award is named after a 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.
Dr. Amanda Miracle, associate professor in the history program in the Social Sciences Department, is this year’s recipient. In the classroom, Dr. Miracle integrates discussions of women and gender into her classes, whether it be in courses such as Early American Women, or less obvious courses such as Introduction to History. Her research focuses on women’s history, particularly in the Colonial age, looking to recognize women’s contributions and elevate women’s status. Dr. Miracle’s nomination materials especially noted her mentorship to female students and faculty. Dr. Miracle currently serves on the Ethnic and Gender Studies Steering Committee and has served on the steering committee for the Michael Tilford Conference on Diversity and Multiculturalism.
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 go the extra mile and make a long-term commitment to promote the growth of women in our schools and community.
This year’s recipient of the Mary Headrick award is Dr. Joyce Zhou, associate professor in the School of Business. Dr. Zhou is the faculty advisor for the Marketing Club and the Chinese Student Association and has previously been awarded the ESU Outstanding Student Organization Advisor of the Year and the ESU Faculty Mentor of the Year awards. Dr. Zhou was nominated by her students who emphasized her mentorship in helping all her students, but particularly her female students, reach their academic and career potential. She works tirelessly with students to encourage networking and internships, and to present and publish their research.
Finally, the Susan B. Anthony Scholarship is awarded to an ESU student who has demonstrated the most beneficial input into the growth and education of women on the ESU campus in addition to excellence in scholarship.
Receiving the scholarship for the 2018-19 academic year will be Sakeena Agha, a junior sociology major, minoring in ethnic and gender studies. Agha is a peer advocate for THRIVE (The Healthy Relationships and Interpersonal Violence Education) program, and a member of the Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Honors Society. She wants to earn a master’s degree in social work, working with victims of sexual assault and abuse. Her goal is to follow Anthony’s footsteps in disrupting oppressions, such as sexism.
Friends and family of award recipients, students, and community members are welcome to join ESU as we honor hardworking and amazing women.