University at Albany Women's Community

Dr. Carol F. Bullard(2006)

The continued success of Initiatives For Women (IFW) and the women it has supported is a clear testament to the pivotal role that Dr. Carol Bullard has played during her leadership as the chair of IFW from 2000 – 2002. Her tireless and well-organized efforts at fund-raising developed corporate and foundation support required to increase IFW’s endowment and to move it from a grassroots organization to a sophisticated and independent unit formally recognized by the University. In addition to the many successful fund-raising events chaired by high-profile individuals from corporate America, Dr. Bullard obtained a Challenge Grant from the Ford Foundation and two grants from the Avon Products Foundation. Her contributions to the growth of IFW have resulted in the achievement of educational and professional goals for many women and made a dramatic impact on their lives, the community and the University.

Dr. Bullard is the Assistant Vice President of Corporate and Foundation Relations at the University at Albany. Her previous work experience includes serving as Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations for the University at Albany; Director of Development for the Corporation at Yaddo; Executive Director for the Albany League of Arts; and, as Assistant Professor at the University at Albany and the State University of New York at Cortland. She holds a Ph.D. in Humanities and an M.A. in Art History from Syracuse University and a B.A. from Connecticut College.

Liz B. Espinoza – Rosebud Award Winner 2006

Letters nominating Ms Espinoza uniformly agree that she is driven by her commitment to social justice and seeking solutions to gender equity. She co-curated two exhibits: “Cultures of Resistance: Latin America and the Caribbean” and “Globalization: Is Another World Possible?” which showcased global social movements and linked them to current campus studies. She raised funds for Mexican maquiladora workers by selling small arts and crafts and served as an intern at the coalition for Justice in the Maquiladoras based in San Antonio, Texas.

Ms Espinoza is interning as a Bilingual School Social Worker at the McNulty Academy Elementary School in Amsterdam while she is working on her MSW in Social Welfare. Her work history includes service as a Teaching Assistant in Latin American and Caribbean Studies Department at the University at Albany; Spanish Tutor; and, as an English as a Second Language Teacher. She has presented as several workshops focusing on sweatshops and Latina health, and has publications, exhibits and attendance at international conferences to her credit.

Tasharni T. Harris (2006)

Tasharni Harris, without a doubt, makes a difference. As an undergraduate student at the University at Albany, she co-founded a group called Women of Excellence and Empowerment Program (WEEP) to hold seminars for undergraduate women on career advancement, self-image, educational opportunities and balancing life, family and a career. Recognizing the need for black women to work together, she formed and continues to coordinate Black Ladies United (BLU), a support group which addresses issues of dating, health, career and spirituality that affect women today. As Assistant Coordinator in Student Support Services, Ms Harris counsels, inspires and mentors hundreds of first generation college students through graduation.

Ms Harris holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Welfare (she graduated Cum Laude) and a Master of Social Welfare from the University at Albany. She has held numerous positions throughout her studies which embody her dedication and commitment to students. She served as Resident Assistant, Academic Peer Advisor and Housing Manager for University at Albany’s Residential Life. Her Residential Life experience is augmented by service as a Childcare Provider, Group Counselor and Visitation Monitor for St. Catherine’s Center for Children. Ms Harris holds the Residential Life Staff Member of the Year Award (2003); was on the Dean’s List of Distinguished Students for four semesters; and is the recipient of Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities award, academic Honorable Mention Award and the Spellman Achievement Award.

Dr. Rosemary Hennessy (2006)

As a national and international researcher, Dr. Rosemary Hennessy is an exceptional scholar and activist who analyzes and transforms the inequities that shape relations among labor, gender and sexuality. Her scholarly contributions, however, are not to be obscured by her longstanding and deep commitment to labor organizing, including her participation on the Board of the Coalition for Justice in the Maquiladoras. She is a devoted teacher and a mentor to students and faculty, tenured and untenured.

Dr. Hennessy is a professor of English at the University of Albany. She holds a Ph.D. in English from Syracuse University; an M.A. in English from Temple University; and, a B.A. magna cum laude in English from the University of Pennsylvania. She is the recipient of nineteen research awards and grants, and holds memberships in the Modern Language Association and the Institute for Research on Women. Her exemplary service to the English Department, the University and the community includes active participation in numerous committees, mentoring, presenting at conferences, and representing University at Albany academic faculty to United University Professions Statewide Delegate Assembly.

Carol Anne Germain (2005)

Carol Anne Germain is a positive role model and an active supporter of the University’s women’s community. Carol Anne graduated from Hudson Valley Community College after numerous semesters on the President’s and Dean’s lists and while working as a waitress and raising her children. She transferred to the University at Albany, where she obtained a BA in Information Science while maintaining her presence on the University at Albany Dean’s list each semester. A graduate assistantship provided hands-on experience at the University Library Reference Desk and an affirmation that the pursuit of a Master’s in Library Science and Policy was the right path for Carol Anne to take. In 1997, she was appointed assistant librarian and a member of the academic faculty at the University. In 2004, she was promoted to associate librarian and earned a continuing appointment. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Information Science and Policy.

In addition to her service on the Reference Desk, Carol Anne mentors new librarians – most of whom are women. She serves as the Reference Associates Coordinator for the Reference Management Team to provide professional development opportunities to employees who are not librarians but who have an MLS degree. She provides extensive assistance to students beyond the time she spends on the reference desk, delivering bibliographic instruction to University programs such as the Summer Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and the Career Development Center while coordinating the Initiatives For Women Scholarship Program. She co-chaired the Council of Women’s Groups and coordinated the Bread and Roses Awards/Spring Celebration event while volunteering for the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.

Dr. Judith Barlow (2005)

In 1998, Professor Barlow created the Lillian Barlow Fund through Initiatives For Women. A letter nominating Professor Barlow for the Bread and Roses Award quotes her words in the document establishing the Lillian Barlow Fund :

I can think of no more appropriate way to honor my mother’s memory than with a gift to Initiatives For Women. I know she couldn’t imagine a better program than one that helps returning women students pay for books and childcare, encourages support staff to take special training courses, and provides undergraduates with the funds to complete research projects. Most important, I’m certain my mother would love the idea that she could help another woman receive the education she never had.

Professor Judith E. Barlow’s well-documented and widespread contribution on behalf of gender equity and in enhancing the lives of women on campus make a strong case for a Bread and Roses Award. Dr. Barlow shaped University curricula by creating a course on women playwrights when none was offered and she created “Growing Up in America” the University’s first course on Diversity. Professor Barlow’s attention to detail has helped numerous students complete their dissertations in addition to improving their writing skills. She has served on the Affirmative Action Council and Initiatives For Women Steering Committee.

In addition to the Making Waves Award from the Albany Area Chapter of NOW, she holds several other awards: Excellence in Academic Service, Excellence in Teaching and is a Collins Fellow. Prior to her 32-year tenure at the University at Albany, Professor Barlow served as a free-lance copy editor and an editorial assistant at Holt, Rhinehart and Winston. Professor Barlow completed a Ph.D and an A.M. in English from the University of Pennsylvania and an A.B. degree, also in English, from Cornell University.

Dr. Karen Hitchcock (2004)

President of the University at Albany from 1996-2004, Dr. Hitchcock came to Albany in 1991 as Vice President for Academic Affairs, then served a year as Interim President prior to her appointment as President. Before coming to Albany, Dr. Hitchcock served as Vice Chancellor for Research, Dean of the Graduate College, and Professor of Anatomy and Biology at the University of Illinois, Chicago, and as Associate Dean for Basic Sciences, Research and Graduate Studies and Professor at the School of Medicine, Texas Tech University. She earlier spent ten years at Tufts University in a number of capacities, including the George A. Bates Professor of Histology and Chair of the Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology of the Schools of Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine and the Sackler Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Dr. Hitchcock holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from St. Lawrence University and a Ph.D. in Anatomy from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; she was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Webb-Waring Institute for Medical Research at the University of Colorado. She has published widely in her field, has received numerous grants, and has held many leadership positions in professional associations in science and education, and in community organizations.

Dr. Hitchcock's many accomplishments as President of the University at Albany have affected the University and the University community in major ways, and have had a positive impact on the lives of students, faculty, and staff. She succeeded in making the University an integral part of the wider community and has gained respect and admiration for the institution and for herself. The many community honors and awards she has received are too numerous to list but provide ample evidence of her achievements.

The Bread and Roses Award recognizes Karen Hitchcock's many contributions to the enhancement of women's lives at the University at Albany. She has an impressive record of recognizing, promoting, and supporting talented women. President Hitchcock has also been a generous and faithful supporter of the University's Initiatives For Women program, and has been on the program in each of the yearly events, engaging in informal dialogue with each of the prestigious guest speakers. In recognition of her constant support, the IFW created the Karen R. Hitchcock New Frontiers Fund to assist women doctoral students who "show great promise of making a positive, transformational difference in our society."

Dr. Carson Carr, Jr. is the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and heads the Office of Academic Support Services. In these roles, he serves as the Director of the Educational Opportunity Program, an at-risk program for 750 university students. He also coordinates and administers seven university-wide academic support programs. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from West Chester University; a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Seton Hall University; and a Doctorate in Educational Administration from Syracuse University. He also holds two adjunct teaching positions in the School of Education and the Africana Studies Departments. Dr. Carr is a well-respected colleague within the University at Albany community and has been recognized on numerous occasions for his outstanding achievements.

Initiatives For Women (IFW) benefits women students, faculty, and staff - and the University at Albany and our community as a whole - by providing them the means to advance their educational and professional goals. Through individual donations, corporate and foundation contributions, IFW supports women in a variety of ways:

Scholarships, graduate fellowships, and general awards.
Research on women's issues and causes.
Assistance in the purchases of books, software, and course materials.
Internships and training programs.
Tuition and course registration fees.
Travel and research affiliated expenses.
Career planning, advisement, mentoring, and counseling.
Workshops and seminars on topics of interest.
Disabled women's services and assistance.
Leadership development opportunities.

An all-volunteer committee runs the Initiatives For Women program under the auspices of the University at Albany Office of the Provost. The Steering Committee members are absolutely dedicated to the IFW motto: Support Her Dream.

Susan Palmer has been an active member of the University’s women’s community for almost a decade. She has undertaken leadership roles in numerous University women’s organizations. This includes co-chair of the Women’s Concerns Committee and co-chair of the Applications Review Committee for Initiatives for Women (IFW). Both positions require a dedication of time, effort, and patience. Ms. Palmer’s work on both committees was exemplary. Additionally, Ms. Palmer is an IFW Avon Scholar “Big Sister” mentor and a sexual harassment advisor.

Susan Palmer is the Extended Learning Coordinator in the School of Education, at the University at Albany. She is the first point of contact for questions about the online program, studying online, and online admissions. Before coming to the School of Education, Susan worked in the Office of Graduate Studies for six years as a senior admissions officer for the School of Education. Susan has a MLS in Library Science from the University at Albany.

Nancy Belowich-Negron (1998)

Nancy Belowich-Negron, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs/Director of Disabled Student Services since 1980, is highly respected by her colleagues. She is also highly respected by persons with disabilities and by professionals in the statewide disability community. Nancy assists countless disabled students with personal concerns. Nancy also meets with University women employees with disabilities on a one-to-one basis. She has empowered women with disabilities by sharing information on disability rights, providing assertiveness training, advocating for special accommodations for people with disabilities, assisting with grant and scholarship funding and assisting with job opportunities. Nancy is a pro-active role model and provides support to many women on the campus. She takes active steps to ensure that people with disabilities develop the expertise that they need to represent themselves within our diverse environment.

Nancy's leadership role on the campus is exemplified by her involvement in the campus community. Nancy founded the "Abilities Awareness Month" and developed a scholarship fund for persons with disabilities. Since 1994, Nancy initiated and chaired the "AIl-University Women's Luncheon Series" and brought together women from a variety of departments across the University. This year the topics focus on women and family members with disabilities. Since 1995, Nancy has been a member of the Council of Women's Groups and has chaired the "Take Our Daughters to Work Day" committee. This activity that has impacted the lives of several young women, providing the opportunity for young women to see women in important roles and encouraging them to seek higher education.

Nancy has also been a member of the University Commission for Affirmative Action. Nancy chaired the Non-Teaching Professional Women's Group from 1982 to 1987. She is also a member of the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI), an international organization that provides prejudice reduction and conflict-resolution associated with sexism, racism, heterosexism, homophobia, classism, ageism and all other "isms" that divide our society. Nancy has been a trainer for this program since 1994 and has encouraged women to develop their facilitation skills through this process.

Elizabeth Burnworth (1998)

Elizabeth Burnworth, Ph.D candidate and instructor in the Sociology department is the founder and President of Women Organized for Radical Difference (W.O.R.D.), an interdisciplinary graduate student organization which seeks to promote women's issues in the University at Albany community and is dedicated to social service which benefits women and children in the larger community. Under Elizabeth's leadership, in the group's first year of operation, they have gathered clothing and personal care items for local women's homeless shelters, worked with Project SOAR in a kite making project to raise awareness of pediatric AIDS, participated in a quilt-making project to raise awareness of sexual assault on the campus, worked for better campus safety, offered a video series on women in recognition of National Women's Month, and sponsored the speaker, Jane Flax.

Her student colleagues are inspired and motivated by Elizabeth's enthusiasm and commitment for working toward greater gender equity. They recognize her contributions towards enhancing the quality of the graduate experience for all women at the University. She is characterized by her fellow students in the Graduate Student Association as being a full and active participant, one who extends herself personally to support fellow students. She demonstrates strong leadership qualities and has tolerance for different viewpoints within the organization. She actively solicits and recruits new members who would otherwise be too hesitant to join the organization. She has also been active in seeking funding and provided workshops on grant writing, academic ethics and preparing for comprehensive exams. As an active member ofthe Students of Sociology and an instructor, Elizabeth displays courage to students by openly discussing relevant topics such as sexual assault of women, which students often feel too intimidated to discuss. Elizabeth has also presented papers on this topic at national conferences.

Diane Cardone (2001)

Diane Cardone, Staff Assistant to the Director of Affirmative Action, has made extraordinary contributions on behalf of gender equity in an effort to enhance the quality of life for women at the University at Albany. Diane has earned admiration by passionately demonstrating her commitment to the ideals addressed by Bread and Roses-feeding the mind and the spirit simultaneously. She has a wonderful gift of balancing intellect with creativity, and wisdom with sensitivity.

Diane has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Initiatives for Women (IFW) program. IFW raises money to assist University women-students, staff, and faculty-in achieving their academic goals. Diane plays many roles in the organization. She serves as the historian, co-coordinates the fall fundraising dinner, and supervises every facet of the Summer Celebration. She handles all financial records, from monitoring income and disbursements to establishing endowments. It is very difficult to imagine the myriad of details coming together without Diane's leadership. Although she is quite talented at managing multiple priorities with accuracy, it is her warmth and her passion that make colleagues so eager to work with her. Her grace under pressure makes Diane an excellent role model for everyone-the timid student needing personal guidance as well as the most experienced professional.

The Women's Connection newsletter is a unique campus publication, produced by and for women at the University at Albany. It highlights campus, local and national news and information pertinent to University women. It provides an excellent vehicle for increasing awareness of networking opportunities. Diane is one of the key people who make this annual publication a success.

The entire University community has greatly benefited from two major effort's of Diane's Sexual Harassment Awareness and the Empowerment Project. Diane developed and implemented a training program for 40 Sexual Harassment Advisors, 10 Senior Sexual Harassment Advisors and over 35 peer (student) Sexual Harassment Advisors. She scheduled training and workshops and kept advisors abreast of relevant news and policy changes. Diane performed similar duties in support of the Empowerment Project, the community group delivering self-defense workshops for women. As a community, we are wiser and safer thanks to Diane's contributions.

Lastly, we applaud Diane's perseverance as a non-traditional student. While working full-time in the Office of Affirmative Action, Diane is completing courses toward a B.A. in Psychology - anticipated graduation, May 2002.

Albina Grignon (1991)

Albina Grignon's leadership and dedication to enhancing gender equity for University women is evidenced by her committee activities on behalf of women. Currently, Albaina is the Chair of the Women's Concerns Committee which organized a workshop for all its members on communication. As Chair of the Mentoring Subcommittee, she organized breakfast and lunch series for professional women and a conference for all University women "Women Working with Women, Common Concerns, Collective Solutions." Albina has been appointed Executive Council Member of the New York State Association of Women in Higher Education and chairs the Conference Planning Committee which addresses important women's issues.

Jan Hagen (1999)

Jan Hagen is a Distinguished Professor within the School of Social Welfare. She began her career at the University at Albany in 1984. Jan has held a Joint Appointment in the Women's Studies Department since 1989, and has been a Faculty Associate of the Institute for Research on Women (IROW) since 1987. In addition to several leadership roles in Social Welfare, including Associate Dean in 1988-89 and Fall 1996, Jan has held significant roles in Women's Studies, including the interim directorship of the Institute for Research on Women in 1993, membership on Women's Steering Committee and serving as co-chair for the IROW Project on Stopping Violence against Women in 1992-93.

Professor Hagen enhances gender equity in her scholarship, her teaching and in her service. In terms of scholarship, nearly all her research has focused on issues relating to equity for women. This includes, for example, women on welfare, domestic violence, homeless women, and Social Security. While her research, of course, has much broader implications beyond the campus, the fact that she is engaged in such research means that she serves as a beacon for students and faculty who are interested in these issues.

Jan's contributions to gender equity through teaching are obvious. Professor Hagen has taught a number of courses concerned with women's issues, e.g., Social Work Practice with Women, and Women and Social Policy. Students rate Jan Hagen's teaching as superior. Jan's own orientation toward women and empowerment, including her teaching about women with limited economic resources, is inspiring to students. In addition, she has been a role model and mentor, and has personally touched the lives of many SSW students.

Professor Hagen's service contributions are exemplary and include: Steering Committee of the Women's Studies Department, Executive Board of IROW, University Commission on Affirmative Action, and a member of its Women's Concerns Committee. In the School of Social Welfare, she chaired the School's human diversity committee' and its teach-in on Welfare, Women and Children. Professor Hagen served as coordinator of the School and Rockefeller Institute's conference on ethnicity and gender as issues in the Social Security Act. Furthermore, on a broader level, she served as Chair of both the New York State and the National Committee on Women's Issues ofthe National Association of Social Workers. On the National Committee she led the effort to monitor the Association's Affirmative Action Plan. Jan also serves as Consulting Editor of the Journal of Women and Social Work. Her national service attests to the esteem in which she is held, and informs the work she applies in service and in the classroom on this campus.

Shirley Jones (1998)

Dr. Shirley Jones is a Distinguished Service Professor within the Department of Social Welfare. She began her career at the University at Albany in 1988 as a Visiting Professor. She is an outstanding scholar, and has dedicated a decade of significant service to the university. She ends herself professionally, and works diligently in carrying out the mandate of her profession.

Dr. Jones has been a role model to both faculty members and students. She is gifted with a natural talent to help others aspire to their highest potential, and is readily available to offer viable suggestions for procreative goal setting. She reinforces to her students that women can achieve great accomplishments in these contemporary times. She has invested herself willingly and unselfishly to mentoring young women faculty and women holding professional staff status at the University. She is an ardent proponent of gender equity, and takes an active interest in the academic and professional advancement of women.

Dr. Jones' commitment to the improvement of the status of women in American society is highly evidentin her scholarly work. She is the author of numerous articles on gender issues, such as: Women as Visionaries, The Feminism of Povety< United Nations World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, and women as Main Providersof food Implications for Social Work. She is also the recent co-author of the publication Preparing the Helping Professional to Meet Community Needs: Generalization from the Rural Experience (1998). A highly sought conference presentor, she has shared her expertise with the University at Albany's Women's Concerns and Initiatives for Women Committee. Her professional involvent has been noted at local, state, national, and internatonal levels. She serves as a consultant and expert panelist for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and provides consultancies to several governmental agencies in Mississippi, Georgia, Virginia, New York, and Washington.

Maritza Martinez (1999)

Maritza Martinez, M.S.W., Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, coordinates and provides training for many of the efforts of the Office of Academic Support Services Educational Opportunities Program (EOP). Ms Martinez is highly respected by her colleagues for her dedication as well as her exceptional work. Ms Martinez counsels many students in EOP. Her colleagues have commented on her positive role as a mentor and role model for students. Students have commented on her willingness to share herself and inspire them to greater heights.

For over eight years at the University at Albany, Ms Martinez has provided leadership. She consistently uses creativity in developing educational programs which offer opportunities to students to develop leadership skills which will serve them in their academic careers as well as their professional lives. Though Ms Martinez strives to benefit all students she encounters, she has been especially sensitive to students who confront cultural and class barriers as well as academic roadblocks, many of whom are women.

Maritza's leadership role on the campus is exemplified by her involvement in the campus community. Among her many commitments, she has been active in Alianza Latina since 1996 and is the current Chair. She is also the incoming Secretary for the University at Albany Senate. Ms Martinez has consistently made important and sustained service contributions specifically oriented toward furthering gender equity at the University at Albany. Through her involvement with STEP (Science and Technology Entry Program) and LIBERTY PARTNERSHIP, Ms Martinez has promoted young women in pursuit of careers in math and science.

Ms Martinez continues to hold leadership roles on the Women's Concerns Committee, the Council of Women's Groups, Take Our Daughters To Work Day sub-committee, and the Initiatives for Women Committee. Ms Martinez has been a campus Co-trainer on Sexual Harassment. She has also been an exam proctor for the Office of Disabled Student Services. She has been active in the campus chapter of the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBV, an international organization which provides prejudice reduction and conflict-resolution training associated with sexism, racism, heterosexism, homophobia, classism, ageism and all other "isms" that divide our society. Ms Martinez shares her committed presence and has consistently mentored new members within these groups.

Ms Martinez has a strong record of community service and has been honored by several community organizations. These include the Hispanic Outreach Services' Mentorship Program, Latino Coalition of Schenectady, Girls Inc. of Schenectady, YWCA Women of the 90's Award ( 1992), Mohawk Pathways Girl's Scouts, Price Chopper Minority Scholarship Committee, and the Human Rights Commission's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Coalition. In 1993, Ms Martinez received the Governor's Hispanic-American Medal of Distinction and was this year's recipient of the Hudson Mohawk Association of College and Universities' "Creating A Welcoming Community" award.

Linda Nicholson (1997)

Professor Linda Nicholson, who also received the Bread and Roses award, has dedicated more than 20 years of significant work to advancing gender equity on campus and in the larger society. Her efforts as mentor to the next generation of women students and junior faculty has been extraordinary. She has authored and edited numerous interdisciplinary publications. As editor of the influential "Thinking Gender" series with Routledge Press, she has encouraged feminist scholarship and has contributed to the national standing of the Women's Studies Department. Dr. Bernice Sandler, Senior Scholar in Residence at the National Association for Women in Education and a nationally prominent scholar and activist on behalf of women in higher education, was the Distinguished Speaker at the Spring Celebration. Her speech, "The Climate for Girls and Women in the Classroom: Still Chilly Today?" addressed the problems and progress of women in education.

Helen Petrazolla(1998)

Helen Petrazolla, an undergraduate student in Russian and Eastern European Studies has carried on the legacy of women's labor organizing and leadership that originally inspired the song "Bread and Roses." Helen has been inspired by the role women have played in the labor movement. Learning about injustices and determined to play her part in social change, Helen brought difficult issues to student groups, communicated the injustices she saw and strategized for change. Despite a heavy courseload, in 1997, Helen worked to resuscitate the undergraduate feminist group P.O.W.E.R. (People Organized for Women's Empowerment and Respect). As Co-chair of P.O.W.E.R., Helen headed the anti-sweatshop campaign on campus. She and her colleagues succeeded in having the University pass a Code of Conduct that would insure its logo is licensed to clothing manufacturers who respect the rights of workers, most of whom are women workers. Because of Helen's efforts, the University at Albany was the second institution nationally to approve such a policy. She has worked with the New York State AFL-CIO to compile data on sweatshops and build coalitions between students, labor, and women's organizations. As a participant in Union Summer, she worked on the call for restoration to the EOP and TAP Programs, and increased state aid to community colleges. Helen traveled to the South and worked with women health care workers who were organizing.

Most recently, Helen and members of P.O.W.E.R. organized the vigil for Suzanne Lyall and are leading the move for new safety goals on campus. Her fellow students characterize her as amazing, inspiring, and dedicated.

Librada Pimentel-Brown (2001)

The words enthusiastic, honest, respectful, leader, motherly, meticulously organized, punctual, and credible certainly represent the character of this woman who has been cited by many as being the foundation by which they walk. Librada Pimentel-Brown serves in her official title as Administrative Assistant in the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Studies (LACS), a position that she has held since her employment here at the University at Albany in 1984. During her tenure, Librada has "broken in" and has served as the "right hand person" to each of the Department's Chairpersons; being credited by many in LACS as being the "glue" that has kept things all together. It is also a well known fact amongst those who know Librada that she takes her job personally - meaning that she is driven by an inner passion for the Latino population in particular, but humanity as a whole, to make a difference. She is a student's best cheerleader, as well as their harshest critic; being credited by many of them as being a primary reason that they were able to persevere and to graduate.

In addition, Librada has served on several University committees - most notably the President's Commission on Affirmative Action, the President's Task Force on Diversity, as a Senior Sexual Harassment Advisor, as a Faculty Mentor, and as mentor and advisor to Latina Sororities. In her role as Co-Chair of Alianza Latina, a University group representative of its Latino/a employees and students, Librada has really shown her outstanding leadership and motivational skills. As a recommender writes.."The events that she has sponsored and organized, particularly those that motivate Hispanic students to pursue graduate education and to succeed have been timely, effective, and well-attended. Each event has been well-organizedLibrada is truly an asset in maintaining interest in Hispanic awareness and the need to promote education within this population."

This single parent is a true inspiration who never stops dreaming and who leads by example. She is currently taking college courses through Empire State College, and expects to have her bachelor's degree completed in the year to come. She is indeed a winner who lives her life by the philosophy of practicing that which you preach.

Linda Reeves (1991)

Linda Reeves' tireless efforts and dedication contribute to improving the quality of life for all campus women. Since 1985, Linda has served as an elected member of the Steering Committee for the Secretarial/Clerical Council. She is the current editor of the S/CAN Newsletter. Linda has been a member of the Women's Concerns Committee since 1989, serving on the planning committee for a conference on "Women Working with Women, Common Concerns, Collective Solutions" and the Women and Leadership Seminar Series. Her behind the scenes contributions include the design, production and distribution of invitations, programs, and flyers for most public events held for women on this campus, including the Bread and Roses Award.

Bonnie Spanier (1998)

Dr. Bonnie Spanier, Associate Professor, Women's Studies Department, has served the students, faculty and administration of the University for over 14 years. As scientist and teacher, Professor Spanier demonstrates to female students that science and technology are not worlds closed to them. In addition to the core courses she teaches, Professor Spanier has created new courses ranging from Women, Biology and Health" to advanced seminars in "Women Science and Technology. Her analysis and femmist critiques of molecular biology amd gender biases in biological research have provided a framework for future scholars to advauce research women's health. For the past two years, Professor Spanier has been running the Women's Studies internship program which provides opportunities for students to combine academic skills with commumity service and/or activism. Students speak of her clarity and dedication in the classroom. Her 1992 Awards for Excellence in Teaching attest to this. Dr. Spanier is very clear in her purpose. She knows that if women are ever to achieve equity, women's contributions need to be studied in our classrooms.

Her extraordinary contributions amd commitment to the intellectual life and service to her department, programs and the University at large have been previously acknowledged by several prestigious awards. Dr. Spanier's leadership in gender equity in science and advocacy for research in health and science have culminated into positive national curricular transformations which have impacted the lives of several students on the campus as well as having long-term significance for women's lives internationally.

Her colleagues have also recognized her for having done a superb job of leading the Women's Studies Department through the transition from an academic program to a full fledged, dynamic, department currently recognized as one of the nation's outstanding Women's Studies Departments. After her tenure as Chair, the department had in place, a revised and forward looking curriculum, and a graduate Certificate in Women and Public Policy. They attribute these accomplishments to Professor Spanier's diplomatic skills, good sense and good humor, and her conviction and commitment to equality and fair play. They also attribute this success to her contagious enthusiasm, unflagging devotion to the discipline and her considerable skill in getting busy faclty members already heavily committed to service in their home departments, to dedicate considerable time and energy to Women's Studies. She is characterized as a University citizen who blends firm commitment with educational and human values.

Professor Spanier has served as a Sexual Harassment Advisor from 1998 to the present and was the Council of Women's Groups Co-Chair from 1991-1993. She has served tirelessly on several faculty governance committees both at the Colloge and University level making certain that Women's Studies is represented and visible. She has garnered respect for the department and effectively communicated its mission. Combining her research with activism, she recently co-founded the Capital Region Action Against Breast Cancer (CRAAB), and advocates for breast cancer research. Her recent publication Im-Partial Science: Gender Ideology in Molecular Biology, 1995, and her service as National Women's Studies Association (NWSA) editor are but recent examples of her consistent work as scholar, mentor, educator and community service advocate.

Harriet Vincent Temps (2001)

Harriet Vincent Temps is currently the Social Studies Program Advisor in the History Department at the University at Albany. She has been employed by the University for the past 10 years and has demonstrated competence as well as compassion in all of her capacities here. This may have to do with her previous training as a nurse. During the 1970's, she worked as a nurse in many different settings, often providing services to the poor, such as at Richland County Health Department in South Carolina. Ms. Temps has also served children in need, while she worked at St. Catherine's Center for Children, in Albany, she supervised the health care of 160 children in residential treatment, foster care and group homes.

In 1984, she became a graduate assistant in the Department of History at the University at Albany. Returning to school as an adult and mature woman gave her the insight and experience to assist other women in similar situations, which she has done with patience, support, empathy and grace!

In her current role she is responsible for the undergraduate and graduate student advisement for Social Studies. She has always done more than is expected for students, faculty and staff here at the University. She advocates on behalf of the students and lends " enthusiastic support in dealing with the daily trials and triumphs of academic life." Harriet has provided students with the tools and encouragement they need to reach their goals and dreams.

Harriet has brought many new initiatives to the History Department, including a Faculty/Student seminar series, codification of policies and procedures and increased involvement of Alumni. In 2000, she received the "Outstanding Achievement Award for Disabled Student Services." In 1995 - 1996 she served on the Arts and Sciences Ad Hoc Committee on Harassment. Her impact in several different areas has been very significant to improving student and faculty life within the History Department as well as the University.

Kathleen Turek (1997)

Kathleen A. Turek has worked on issues of gender and technology for over 18 years in her jobs providing computing support services for instructional technology on campus and as a doctoral student in Information Science. She is an affiliate member of the Women's Studies Department, a member of the Institute for Research on Women, and a member of the Women's Concerns Committee. She has served as Sexual Harassment Advisor for over ten years and, as a member of the "Professional Women's Subcommittee on Mentoring," assisted in the development of permanent appointment guidelines for professionals and in the planning the campus conference "Women Working With Women: Common Concerns, Collective Solutions." Ms. Turek formed and co-chairs the "Women and Technology Subcommittee" which sponsored the "Plain Talk about Technology" series as well as workshops on e-mail and the Internet for campus women. Ms. Turek was recognized with both the 1994 Chancellor's and President's Award for Excellence in Professional Service.

Ms. Turek is actively involved in researching educational methodologies and developing Internet/Word Wide Web services at the University. She co-authored Electronic Access to Research on Women, which is nationally distributed by the Institute for Research on Women. She has authored numerous technical manuals and handbooks, and has given presentations at educational computing conferences such as SIGUCCS as well as conferences of the National Women's Studies Association, the New York Women's Studies Association, the Eastern New York Academic, College and Research Libraries, and the Schlesinger Library Conference: Women, Information and the Future.

On campus, Kathy has made significant contributions on behalf of gender equity. She is especially known for her leadership in helping to create a "female friendly" climate in technology and computing. Ms. Turek has consistently made special efforts to reach out to groups on campus that tend to be "computer avoiders." She has networked with faculty, staff, and students, and women in particular, to educate them about the possibilities and constructive uses of technology. Ms. Turek consults with and has offered several workshops to the University community. She co-taught a course entitled, "Female Friendly Computing: Computers, Information, and Society." She has contributed toward increasing the female portion of students who use and are comfortable with computing technologies. Kathy has acted as a role model and mentor for campus women, and she has dramatically enhanced the quality of life for women at the University at Albany.

Bread and Roses Award Winners