For the past nine years, the Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center has celebrated exceptional female students, staff, faculty and alumna in the Aquinas community with the Outstanding AQ Woman Awards. On April 27, Abigail Koprowicz (student), Terry Marshall (staff), Kathy Kremer (faculty) and Sarah Strong (alumna) were honored with the 2011 award, showing that females have the power to shine brightly for their hard work.

Honoring the dedication, passion, and commitment of Aquinas women, these awards bring attention to those females who continually make a difference. Pamela Dail Whiting, an English professor and past winner of the faculty Outstanding AQ Woman Award, was awed when she heard about her nomination for the award. “I was surprised and honored to be considered for the award, especially because the women faculty at Aquinas are amazing,” she said. "They care about students, they are dedicated to the college, and they maintain intellectual and creative pursuits."

Although Whiting may have been stunned by winning the award, Katie Luebke, the student who nominated her, was not. The letter she submitted to the committee described Whiting as someone who is passionate about her students and enthusiastic about writing; “[it was] humbling and moving…she described the teacher I aspire to be,” said Whiting.

Any female student, alumna, staff or faculty member is eligible to be nominated for these awards. People can nominate as many women as they like, but only one winner is chosen from each category. A special committee composed of Aquinas students, faculty and staff serves as judges.

“I think this award recognizes and epitomizes the unique contributions that women make at Aquinas College,” said Whiting.