The University Of Virginia Women's Center Presents "Women 2000: Shapers Of The World"

February 25, 2000 -- Although it took 145 years for the University of Virginia to offer its educational and leadership training to women on the same basis as it is offered to men, today after 30 years of full coeducation, the University prepares women to fulfill their potential and become leaders in their communities, their professions, and their nation. Since its founding in 1989, the University of Virginia Women's Center has led the way in helping women shape their own lives and the world around them.

During the year 2000, the University of Virginia will celebrate three milestones in women's achievements: 30 years of full coeducation, the 20th year of the Women's Studies Program (now called Studies in Women and Gender), and the Women's Center's 10th Anniversary. The center has coordinated a yearlong series of events collectively titled "Women 2000: Shapers of the World" to celebrate these achievements with all 10 U.Va. schools and many other programs.

"Women 2000: Shapers of the World" will feature lectures and workshops with galvanizing women and activities focusing on mentoring and growth. There will be several "leadership luncheons" that bring together students with professional women in a range of fields. Other events range from a talk by Linda Chavez-Thompson, vice president of the AFL-CIO on March 27, to the annual "Take Our Daughters to Work Day" on April 27.

The 10th anniversary year will culminate with a conference and benefit dinner on November 2, to honor former recipients of the University of Virginia Distinguished Alumna Award. Established in 1991, the award honors a female U.Va. graduate who has demonstrated excellence, leadership, and extraordinary commitment to her field, and who has used her talents as a positive force for change.

"It is going to be wonderful to welcome back the women who received the University of Virginia Distinguished Alumna Award. They are remarkable leaders who have shaped and changed our lives, and our world," says Sharon Davie, director of the Women's Center.

This daylong celebration will feature sessions where these remarkable award recipients will discuss current issues facing women. In addition, the Women's Center will host events for students to connect with these inspirational leaders.

Distinguished Alumna Award Winners include:

Linda Fairstein, Chief Prosecutor, Sex Crimes Unit of the New York District Attorney's Office, 1991

Dr. Vivian Pinn, Director, Office of Research on Women's Health, National Institutes of Health, 1992

Katie Couric, Co-anchor for NBC's Today Show, 1993

Kathryn Thornton, Astronaut and Educator, 1994

Hanan Mikhail-Ashrawi, Human Rights Activist, 1995

Mariann Stratton, Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy, 1996

Valerie Ackerman, President, Women's National Basketball Association, 1997

Elaine R. Jones, Director-Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, 1998

Rebecca Rimel, President and CEO, The Pew Charitable Trusts, 1999

For more information about the Women's Center Tenth Anniversary Celebration and the Women 2000: Shapers of the World series, contact the Women's Center Programming Department at (804) 924-8979.

Contact: Amy Campbell, (804) 924-8979

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: please contact the Office of University Relations at (804) 924-7116. Television reporters should contact the TV News Office at (804) 924-7550.
SOURCE: U.Va. News Services

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