As part of the National Women’s History Month observance on campus every year in March, women-identified faculty, staff and students are recognized and celebrated for their achievements and contributions by the Office for Women and the Division of Student Affairs at an annual leadership reception. The reception features a keynote address on the National Women’s History Month theme and the presentation of recognition awards to nominated individuals.
Women’s History Month was established by Congress in 1987 to address the fact that, “the role of American women in history has been consistently overlooked and undervalued in the body of American history” and that to remedy this “the President is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.” Public Law 110 -9. In his 1987 Proclamation, President Ronald Reagan stated: “I call upon all Americans to mark this month with appropriate observances to honor the achievements of American women.” It is in this spirit of recognition and celebration that that these nominated individuals are honored and recognized at the annual Women’s History Month Leadership Reception.