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Carlow University created the Women of Spirit program in 1993 to focus attention on the accomplishments of women who are leaders in their fields and who exemplify the
University’s mission to render competent and compassionate service in their personal and professional lives.
The women honored this year include:
Michele R. Atkins, former president and chief executive officer of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western Pennsylvania, and 1982 Carlow University alumna;
Eva T. Blum, senior vice president and director of corporate risk management and compliance at The PNC Financial Services Group;
Peggy Finnegan-Donnelly, co-anchor for WPXI-TV Channel 11 News;
Helen S. Faison, Ph.D., retired deputy superintendent for the Pittsburgh Public School District and acting superintendent 1999-2000;
Mary Kalnas, president and owner of TecSol Incorporated, and 1987 Carlow University alumna;
Suzie McConnell-Serio, head basketball coach for Oakland Catholic High School, renowned NCAA, Olympic and WNBA athlete;
Valerie A. McDonald, Pittsburgh City Councilwoman, District 9;
Rita M. McGinley, retired educator and counselor; founder of the Rita McGinley Foundation and the Rita McGinley Fund for the Pittsburgh Foundation;
Linda Yankoski, CSFN, executive director of the Holy Family Institute;
Mary Louise Nash, RSM, Ph.D., and Roberta Zolkoski, RN, Ph.D., co-directors of the Chimbote, Peru, Clean Water Project.
"This year, the awards committee selected another eleven women whose selfless contributions speak volumes about the caliber, richness and diversity of women’s leadership in our region," said Grace Ann Geibel, RSM, Ph.D., president of Carlow University.
In addition to honoring women, the Women of Spirit program provides valuable scholarships, benefiting both current Carlow students and incoming students. Almost 94 percent of Carlow’s students receive financial aid or scholarships; approximately 62 percent are first-generation students; 18 percent are minorities.
Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1929, Carlow University is a Catholic, women-centered four-year liberal arts University located in Oakland. Carlow offers 50 academic majors in baccalaureate programs in the arts and sciences, as well as graduate programs in Education, Management and Technology, Nursing, and Professional Leadership. |
