Donna M. Rizzo has been selected for the Jackie M. Gribbons Leadership Award, presented to a woman who has demonstrated leadership ability, served as a model and mentor, developed innovative programs and contributed significantly to the institution and profession. Rizzo is an associate professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Department of Computer Science at UVM. Her colleagues write that she is such a ground breaker for women in engineering and serves as such an important role model" and she is an academics’ academic. She is a natural leader with the ability to achieve consensus on thorny issues while not compromising her core beliefs."
The criteria for the Sister Elizabeth Candon Distinguished Service Award requires evidence of promoting and working toward the advancement of women in higher education and involvement at the national, regional, state and local levels in related activities. This year’s award is presented to Wanda Heading-Grant, associate provost for Multicultural Affairs and Academic Initiatives at UVM. Heading-Grant models strong principles of community connectedness and empowerment in everything that she does," her colleagues say. She supports, advocates and challenges the unmet needs and issues that unfold for those most affected by racism, sexism and classism." In addition, she demonstrates an amazing capacity for caring for the community in which she works and lives, for her leadership in multiple areas of higher education, her community activism, her mentoring of students, staff, and faculty, and innovative programming that highlights the importance of equity and inclusion."
The Peggy R. Williams Emerging Professional Award is presented to a woman who is in the early stages of her career, demonstrates excellence in her contributions to students, colleagues, and/or her institution, and shows promise and potential for future contributions. This year’s award goes to UVM alumna Christina R. Fabrey.
