As Northwood University honors the contributions of seven nationally known women at its 45th Annual Distinguished Women Awards, the honorees visited its Florida campus to share their stories with University students, friends, faculty and staff.
While candidly sharing their stories with the crowd, the Distinguished Women transparently imparted guidance relating to their own challenges and how they overcame them. Among the many valuable remarks, Patti Webster Hamilton reminded students to stay true to themselves while faced with challenging or questionable situations. Catherine Rodewald then advised students not to take themselves too seriously, and Martha Tiller reminded the crowd that they have only one chance to make a first impression while later stressing the importance of well honed written and oral communications skills.
The seven honorees in the Distinguished Women Class of 2014 who will receive their awards at a black tie gala to be held at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa are:
- Tamara Darvish, Potomac, MD
- Patti Webster Hamilton, Tequesta, FL
- Donna Niester, Fort Gratiot, MI
- Catherine Rodewald, Frisco, TX
- Lynn Heinzerling Stinson, Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Martha Tiller, Dallas, TX
Established in 1970 by the Northwood University Board of Trustees under the inspiration of founders Dr. Arthur E. Turner and Dr. R. Gary Stauffer, the Northwood University Distinguished Women Awards were created to recognize the enormous contributions women make to communities, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and public and private sector services world-wide. The awards are presented annually and never in absentia. Each Distinguished Woman receives a medal that was originally designed by the late sculptor, Giulio Tamassy.
With Distinguished Women events providing the occasion to bring Northwood University to the attention of those who share a dedication to its principles of higher education, the University encourages honorees to become involved with its students and to participate in their growth. The honorees represent the values that Northwood espouses to its students: commitment to free enterprise, partnership of arts and business, and management in a global society. They serve as role models and mentors for students.
