The Shippensburg University Women’s Center held an award ceremony to honor faculty and students dedicated to serving women on the Shippensburg campus April 30.
The Women’s Center honored three women with the Gero Award. The award is named after Anne Gero, former SU social work department chair. The award honors those who go above and beyond in helping the outreach of the Women’s Center and continuing to dedicate their time to aiding women on campus.
“This award recognizes those who make significant contributions to the status and climate for women on campus,” said Arielle Catron, director of The Women’s Center.
Kapri Brown won the staff award and was nominated by Diane Jefferson, director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA). Brown is involved in the Developing Dignity, Inspiring Intellect, Voicing Victory, Acquiring Assertiveness, Satisfying Self (DIVAS) women’s group; the Young Educated Sisters program and assistant to the director of MSA.
“She is an advocate and activist for all women and she lets her work speak for her especially as it relates to teach our women how to be strong, confident leaders in a society where they are often in double jeopardy, one because they are women, and two because for some of them they are women of uniqueness,” Jefferson said.
SU English professor Nicole Santalucia received the faculty award. Jayleen Galarza, SU social work professor, nominated Santalucia and said, “Nicole is a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ communities on our campus, included in that is her spotlighting queer and women artists but also supporting efforts for more accessible and queer friendly resources on campus.”
Mary Nsangou, a social work student and intern at the Women’s Center, received the student award. Nsangou was nominated by Catron.
“She created a student support group for students with learning differences, filling a gap that she had experienced herself. From this group she has connected students with resources and cultivated a community of support and shared experience,” Catron said.
For more information about The Women’s Center, go to ship.edu/life/resources/womens-center/
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