Susan B. Anthony Award winners to be honored at Annual Dinner in April

March 26, 2012

The Commission for Women will present Professor Georgina Hickey and Sister Mary Ellen Howard with Susan B. Anthony Campus and Community Awards during the organization’s annual dinner.

The event will also feature keynote speaker Ambassador Hunaina Sultan Al-Mughairy, who broke ground in 2005 when she became the first Arab woman ambassador to serve in the United States representing the country of Oman. Ambassador Al-Mughairy is one of only 25 women who are representing their countries in Washington, D.C.

Georgina Hickey

Professor Georgina Hickey is well known for her tireless advocacy for women in her research, teaching, and service. She has led several programs that specifically enhance the quality of life and learning for women students. Since 2009, she has been Faculty Director of the Women in Learning and Leadership (WILL) program and currently serves as Chair of the Social Sciences Department. Professor Hickey provided leadership to the Women and Gender Studies program, served on the Agenda for Women, and the Civic Engagement Project. She has produced outstanding feminist research that helped her earn the Women and Gender Studies Outstanding Research Award in 2009.

Sister Mary Ellen Howard

Sister Mary Ellen Howard is being recognized for her efforts to improve access to quality healthcare for uninsured men, women, and children in the Detroit area, and for her strong voice in the community representing the needs of the uninsured.  For the past 16 years, Sister Mary Ellen has served as Executive Director of the St. Francis Cabrini Clinic of Most Holy Trinity Church. As Executive Director, she has led the charge to build a new clinic facility and expand clinic services. The Cabrini Clinic is the oldest free medical clinic in the nation and the largest free clinic in Michigan.

The Susan B. Anthony Campus and Community Awards are presented each year to recognize individuals whose lives and deeds exemplify the dedication, fortitude, political agitation, and involvement of Susan B. Anthony on behalf of women. The Commission for Women invites everyone to join us as we celebrate the achievements of Professor Georgina Hickey and Sister Mary Ellen Howard.

The awards will be presented at the annual Susan B. Anthony Awards Dinner, scheduled to be held on Thursday, April 12, from 5:00-8:30 p.m. in the Michigan Rooms at the Fairlane Center.

The event includes appetizers, dinner, and a silent auction that benefits the Commission's Supplemental Professional Development Fund. The cost for the evening is $35. Reservation forms must be returned by Thursday, April 5. Seating is limited, so it is recommended to reserve early.