A Celebration of Pennsylvania Women
Erica DePalo ‘01

In a collaborative effort, Villanova University and Immaculata College payed tribute to women legislative leaders, notable citizens and 26 distinguished students during the "Celebration of Pennsylvania Women 2000" breakfast held on Nov. 16 in the Villanova Room of the Connelly Center.

Both institutions used the forum not only to celebrate the achievements of women involved in the Pennsylvania legislature, but to acknowledge several other leaders in the fields of education, community service and political and social activism. Among those receiving the Infinity 2000 Award for their outstanding commitments were Commonwealth Representative Elinor Z. Taylor; historian and author Julie Nixon Eisenhower; Pat Halpin-Murphy, founder of the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition; President of West Chester University, Dr. Madeleine Wing Adler; and Sister Mary Scullion, co-founder of project H.O.M.E.

In addition, the Rev. Father Edmund J. Dobbin and president of Immaculata, Sister Roseanne Bonfini collectively distinguished a total of 26 students from the respective colleges for their talents and excellence in the humanities, the sciences and volunteerism.

Initiated one year ago by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Matthew J. Ryan, the program was intended to focus on the achievements of the women in the Pennsylvania House. In conjunction with the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and the state Humanities Council, a plan was developed to organize several such celebrations of women on six campuses across the state.

"Villanova University’s event was splendid in terms of content and participation," commented Jeanne Schmedlen, director of Special Projects for the Speaker of the House.

Attended by over 250 participants, the celebration was enjoyed by several state legislators, members of the chamber of commerce and women and men devoted to the advancement and progress made by the commemorated women. "The Speaker was especially pleased to see the Villanova and Immaculata women student leaders honored, in addition to the wonderful women on the stage," said Schmedlen.

When describing the significance of the event Dr. Helen K. Lafferty, University vice president stated, "Hearing the voices of women whose visions and calls to action have made a difference in the quality of the lives of so many, was truly inspiring." For Lafferty, the most impressive segment of the program was, "the recognition of our women leaders who have added so much to the quality of Villanova and Immaculata."