Speeches

Commission for Women Annual Banquet

    Good evening. Once again it's a pleasure to be here to help honor and recognize the outstanding women of Penn State. Every year, this event draws wide interest and support from across the University, and every year the accomplishments and the individuals honored grow more impressive.

            The theme of this year's banquet is tied to Penn State's Sesquicentennial, which--as you know--we are commemorating this year.

             By "Celebrating Penn State Women's History and Future" we celebrate the legacy of achievement and the lasting contributions of women that have helped to make our University one of the nation's best.

             Throughout our 150-year history, the women of Penn State have been a crucial part of our talent pool, been a tremendous source of ingenuity, and have paved the way for new generations of scientists, artists, teachers, surgeons, engineers, entrepreneurs, and other leaders.

             But our interest in women cannot end with reviewing past accomplishments. Learning about the extraordinary achievements of women gives us a more expansive view of what women can accomplish and encourages everyone to think larger and bolder about the role of women.

             It is important that we keep our expectations high, that we continue to remove obstacles to women's success, that we promote greater parity, and that we use our collective power to encourage everyone in our University community to reach their full potential.

             I want to thank the people in this room who continue to perpetuate a new vision of women's abilities and who take tremendous pride in celebrating  the intellectual and creative accomplishments of women -- every day.