VANCOUVER, Wash. – Three Southwest Washington women were honored as Women of Distinction for making a difference in the lives of others at Washington State University Vancouver’s eighth-annual Women of Distinction celebration. In addition, two women were given honorable mentions in the community category. Held March 31, the event wrapped up Women’s History Month at the university.
Woman of Distinction in the community category is Peggy Carlson (pictured left), district liaison for Students in Transition for Evergreen Public Schools. Honorable mentions were awarded to Carol Hsu, an engineering professor at Clark College; and Cindy Morical, student success coordinator at 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø.
There are two student awardees. Kiana Rahni, a senior at Union High School, received the top honor in the high school category, and Dustina Haase-Lanier (pictured right), a college senior majoring in social sciences, was honored in the 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø student category.
Community Woman of Distinction
In her role with Evergreen Public Schools in Vancouver, Peggy Carlson coordinates services and provides support to students and families facing homelessness. Honorable mention Carol Hsu teaches and advises Clark College students regarding academics, transfer schools and careers, and volunteers for outreach activities through the NERD Girls. Honorable mention Cindy Morical advises students at 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø to find their purpose and fulfill their potential.
High School Woman of Distinction
At Union High School in Vancouver, Kiana Rahni is active in speech and debate, Future Business Leaders of America and DECA chapters. She volunteers with the Youth Philanthropy program of the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington.
91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø Student Woman of Distinction
In addition to her school activities, Dustina Haase-Lanier is a social justice fighter who has been a domestic violence and sexual assault advocate for 15 years. After graduation, she plans to continue her studies in a master’s degree program in social work.
The awards have been given in concordance with Women’s History Month since 2009 to recognize women in Southwest Washington for inspiring, mentoring and empowering others. Nominations are accepted for women in three categories: high school student, 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø student and community member. Winners are selected by a committee that includes faculty, staff, students and community members.
About 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø
91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. in Vancouver, east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-Tran bus service.
As one of four campuses of the Washington State University system, 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø offers big-school resources in a small-school environment. The university provides affordable, high-quality baccalaureate- and graduate-level education to benefit the people and communities it serves. As the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington, 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø helps drive economic growth through relationships with local businesses and industries, schools and nonprofit organizations.
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MEDIA CONTACT(S)
Brenda Alling, Office of Marketing and Communications, 360-546-9601, brenda_alling@wsu.edu
Nikki Hinshaw, Office of Student Involvement, 360-546-9465, nikki_hinshaw@wsu.edu