CONTACTS:
• Michelle McIlvoy, Office of Student Involvement, 360-546-9530, mmcilvoy@vancouver.wsu.edu
• Brenda Alling, Office of Marketing and Communications, 360-546-9601, brenda_alling@vancouver.wsu.edu
VANCOUVER, Wash. - In honor of Women's History Month, Washington State University Vancouver gave Distinguished Woman of the Year awards to Erica Castro in the student category and Claire Latham in the non-student category at the university's Women of Distinction event Wednesday night.
The purpose of the Women of Distinction program is to provide a venue for the celebration of Women's History Month, observed each year in March, and to recognize women who have inspired, mentored and empowered others. The event is open to students, staff, faculty and local community members.
The Distinguished Woman of the Year award is intended to honor women who have made a difference in the lives of others. The award recipients are selected by a committee after review of nominations. Awards are given in two categories: 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø student category and non-student category.
Castro is president of a new student organization on the 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø campus, the Women's Empowerment Coalition. The WEC recently hosted a day-long event on campus, "Women in Art, Academia and Community." The event honored women of the past, present and future who work for women's equality. Castro is also a single mother of two and a top-grade student. "Erica is an inspiration to anyone who thinks they cannot succeed because of adversities," said nominator, colleague and friend Mary Krzysiak.
Latham, an associate professor of accounting at 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø, works hard for her students and they, in turn, work hard for her. Latham's accounting students pass their certified public accountant exams at a high rate and go on to have successful careers. As head of the College of Business's Quality Improvement Program she has pioneered efforts in training faculty, addressing curriculum issues, leading assessment and initiating peer reviews. "Claire has very high personal standards. She is one of the kindest and most ethical people I know. Indeed, her character encourages all those around her to behave better," said nominator and colleague Tom Tripp.
Women of Distinction also gave Distinguished Woman of the Year honorable mention awards. In the student category Elena Mahrt and Alexandra Terrill received honorable mentions. Fellow nominees included: Cara Cottingham, Rebekah Juhala, Tamara Kuratli, Beaudie Stroebel and Kathryn Tijerina. In the non-student category Lindsay Allais, Anne McEnerny-Ogle, Leilani Russell and Karyn Schimmels received honorable mentions. Fellow nominees included: Debbie Abraham, Teresa Ashford, Maria Brown, Lorrie Lee Massie, Michelle McIlvoy, Paula Moore, Maili Morrison, Pavithra Narayanan, Erin Nolan and Rebecca Parker.
Betsy Henning, principal and co-founder of Alling Henning Associates Inc. a communications firm with an expertise in writing located in downtown Vancouver, gave the keynote address. Henning encouraged her audience to focus on trust, responsibility and accountability in building their careers. She also coached the audience to recognize and take advantage of opportunities.
91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø is celebrating 20 years of bringing quality education, research and service to the citizens of Southwest Washington. The campus is located at 14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave., east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-Tran bus service. 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø offers 16 bachelor's degrees, 10 master's degrees, one doctorate degree and more than 36 fields of study. Learn more at
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