February 27, 2009
Penn State Greater Allegheny?s Commission for Women is now accepting nominations for the second annual Susan C. Lewis award. This year's award will be presented to a woman within Allegheny County who contributes to the constant social and economic development within the community, and promotes diversity and constant professional development. This year?s winner will be presented with the award at a special luncheon on March 24.
The award is named after Susan C. Lewis, former director of continuing education at the campus. She began working with the Department of Continuing Education at Penn State in the late 1980?s, where she obtained the position of director in 1999. As a life-long learner, Susan earned her doctorate degree in 2001 and pursued post-doctoral education by participating in the Workplace Learning and Performance program, the first of its kind in the country. During her tenure as director, she shared her passion for learning by always promoting constant professional development and inspiring others to promote development within the workplace and community. Unfortunately, Susan Lewis passed away during her tenure at Penn State Greater Allegheny, but the staff, faculty and community members who were fortunate to work with her, remember her passion for learning and growth. The Commission for Women, staff of Continuing Education and Chancellor Porter would like to commemorate Susan by recognizing women who, like her, strive to better themselves and encourage others within their community and/or workplace.
Since 1981, the Commission for Women has identified areas of concern for the female employees and students of Penn State Greater Allegheny. It is a forum for exchanging ideas that can translate into improved practices to support women at Penn State.
Its membership represents a diverse employment category: faculty, exempt and non-exempt staff, technical service and campus administration, as well as graduate and undergraduate students. The chairperson, Cheryl Sorrentino, and members of the commission act as an advisory group to recommend policies and programs to enhance the University?s working and learning environments. The commission collaborates with other agencies within Educational Equity at Penn State and agencies in support of gender-equity initiatives.
To nominate someone, go to http://www.equity.psu.edu/cfw/liaisons.asp online. Those nominating the individual will be notified no later than March 13.