EMU Today

YPSILANTI – “We usually turn to popular figures to identify Women of Excellence. Although noteworthy, I believe it is the everyday acts of women across Eastern Michigan University’s community that TRULY encapsulates the meaning of excellence. In these troubling times, I hope that we can all recognize excellence in ourselves and each other.” 

- Carmen McCallum, assistant professor, Leadership & Counseling, 2020 Women of Excellence (planned) Keynote Speaker.

“Although the University could not come together for the Women’s Resource Center’s Annual Women of Excellence Luncheon and Awards Ceremony this year, it’s important that we still acknowledge and celebrate the amazing accomplishments of the recipients of the center’s 2020 Women of Excellence Awards and Scholarships,”

- Joi Rencher, coordinator of the EMU Women’s Resource Center. 

Such were the sentiments behind this year’s awards, bestowed despite the COVID-19 health crisis, and with even more emphasis during a time of service by so many connected to EMU.

This year’s honorees include:

The Women of Excellence Award
The Women of Excellence Award seeks to recognize women and femme identified folx in the EMU community who live the mission statement of the Women's Resource Center: To encourage, support, and advocate for the personal, academic, and professional advancement of ALL women. This year the center celebrated Five Women of Excellence Award recipients, including two staff members and three students. 

Staff

• Caroline Sanders, Interim Director of Community Relations at Engage EMU.

• Elise Buggs Sturdivant, Director of Academic Success Partnerships.

Students

• Hannah Redigan, Masters in Clinical Mental Health graduate student in the Department of Counseling & Leadership.

• Krystol Alpert, Masters in Clinical Mental Health graduate student in the Department of Counseling & Leadership. 

• Rebecca Lee, Masters in Elementary Education graduate student in the College of Education

The Women of Excellence Scholarship
The Women of Excellence Scholarship is awarded to EMU students who have contributed to women's affairs on campus and demonstrate a financial need. This year, in partnership with the Office of Financial Aid, the Women’s Resource Center was able to award 14 scholarships to students that will support them in continuing their education.

• Abigail Bick, senior. Major: Mathematics. Minor: Dance.

• Ayla L Brooks, senior. Major: Info Assurance & Cyber Defense. Minor: Animation & Gaming.

• Danisha Grier, senior. Major: Women's and Gender Studies. Minor: Queer Studies.

• Deyza Marshall, junior. Major: Health Administration.

• Heidi Daugherty, junior. Major: Elementary Education.

• Ismet Tabassum Khan, senior. Major: Computer Science. Minor: Mathematics.

• Jalissa Long-Jolley, junior. Major: Social Work.

• Kari Klavon, senior, Honors College. Major: Marketing. Minor: Psychology.

• Kimberly Dixson-Ferrell, doctoral candidate, Educational Studies.

• Kai Le, senior. Double major: Communication Technology and Urban Planning.

• Lauren Smith, junior. Major: Electronic Media-Film Studies. Minor: African American Studies.

• Maha Casey, doctoral candidate, Educational Studies.

• Michaela Foster, senior. Major: Social Work.

• Zariah Montgomery, senior. Major: Nursing

For more information, see the Women's Center Instagram and Women’s Center Facebook pages.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 18,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.