Daily Egyptian Reporter 23

Linda Herrold says she strives for the professional advancement of women because she enjoys helping others.

Herrold was one of eight University-employed women awarded for this effort by the University’s Women’s Professional Advancement Office.

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The women were presented with the University Women of Distinction Awards Thursday in recognition for their achievements in education, research and service, as well as their efforts to help the advancement of other women.

These women were chosen on the basis of their efforts to help other women advance professionally, in addition to their own personal achievements, Martha Ellert, coordinator of University Women’s Professional Advancement office, said.

Herrold, a visiting instructor in the MEDPREP program, and Jolynn Smith, a lecturer in microbiology, received the faculty awards. Herrold and Smith are co-founders of the Science Center, a hands-on learning facility in University Mall. Herrold and Smith try to serve as positive role models for young women interested in the fields of science, mathematics and medicine.

I was very flattered to receive this award, Herrold said. It is important for women to pursue careers in math and science.

Linda Benz, project coordinator for Institutional Research and Studies, received one of the four administrative-professional awards. Benz is a Literacy Connection tutor and helps international students through the University’s English in Action program. She is also active in several local organizations.

I pursued public service because I enjoy helping people, and it has always been a part of my life, Benz said.

University Housing Programming Coordinator Paulette Curkin has a varied service record. She teaches a graduate seminar on University Housing for the College of Education in addition to her programming duties. Curkin, a cancer survivor, serves as a resource for the region’s Coping with Cancer support group. She is active in the University’s AIDS Task Force and the University Christian Ministries Long-range Task Force. Curkin is a volunteer for the American Red Cross and the March of Dimes.

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Curkin co-founded and continues to serve as a director of the Triangle Coalition, a group of University staff, faculty and community members concerned with gay, lesbian and bisexual issues.

I did not have many women role models when I was a child, Curkin said. I think it is very important for women to take leadership roles in the community.

Carolyn Donow, a research project specialist in the Office of Research Development and Administration, received one of the administrative-professional awards. Donow’s service records covers two decades of service work. She represents about 800 University employees in her position as chairwoman of the University’s Administrative-Professional Staff Council.

Patricia McNeil, assistant dean of the Graduate School, also received an administrative-professional award. McNeil was nominated by a colleague for her enthusiasm and dedication to improving the campus environment for minorities and women.

McNeil started and coordinated the SIUC Black Alumni reunions and served as the assistant director of the Alumni Association from 1987-1993. McNeil runs the Proactive Recruitment of Multicultural Professionals for Tomorrow, an award-winning program. The program is credited by the University with raising the University’s minority graduate student numbers from 5 percent to 12 percent.

Nancy Hartman, assistant to the director of Plant and Service Operations, received one of two Civil Service employee awards. Hartman has served the University for the past 29 years in various roles. She served on the Civil Service Council, the Public Information Committee, the Civil Service Range Committee and has served on the University Women’s Professional Advancement advisory committee since 1993.

Jo Ann Pitz, benefits manager at Human Resources, is active in service involving health care issues. As a member of the Women’s Caucus, she has presented and coordinated numerous presentations on women’s health care issues. Pitz is a founding member of the Southern Illinois Women’s Health Conference and serves on the executive committee of the Board of Directors for Rural Health and Social Service Development.

This is the eighth year that the Women of Distinction Award has been presented. Nominations for the award are made by individuals or organizations within the University. One nomination for each nominee is accepted based on the candidate’s individual achievements and contributions to the advancement of other women.

Women need to continue to develop personally and professionally but not let family life suffer, Benz said. We have to set our priorities and focus on what is important to us.