Contact: Maridith Geuder
A Mississippi State University group is inviting nominations through Feb. 11 for a program that recognizes women of achievement on and off campus.
The MSU President's Commission on the Status of Women annually presents Outstanding Woman Awards to persons at state and community levels. Also recognized are women in each university employment category, as well as an outstanding undergraduate and graduate student.
MSU employee categories include executive/administrative; faculty; professional; non-faculty; technical/paraprofessional; secretarial/clerical; skilled crafts; and service/maintenance.
The commission was created in the 1970s by then-MSU President James D. McComas to provide guidance on issues affecting the status and role of women on campus.
This year's winners will be honored at a March 29 luncheon concluding the campus celebration of Women's Month, also sponsored by PCSW. Themed "Women Living Well," 2000 Women's Month will include programs on emotional, physical and mental health issues.
Candidates for the PCSW awards are evaluated on service, professional and community activities. Supreme Court Justice Lenore Prather was the 1999 Outstanding Mississippi Woman.
Letters detailing nomination procedures are being mailed this week to university employees. Nomination forms also are available at the Starkville Chamber of Commerce at 322 University Drive or any location of luncheon co-sponsor AmSouth Bank, operating as Deposit Guaranty.
Persons making nominations must complete an information form and attach two letters of recommendation. Nominees also will be asked to complete an additional information form.
For more information about the 2000 awards program, contact PCSW chair Ginger Cater by telephone at (662) 325-1008 or by e-mail at gcater@pres.msstate.edu or Shay McDonnall at 325-3359, e-mail shay@saffairs.msstate.edu.