Last Thursday, the Metro State community gathered at Museo de las Americas to honor this year's honorees for the Institute for Women's Studies and Services 18th Annual Outstanding Women Awards. The awards recognize individuals at Metro State who have supported the advancement of women on campus and beyond. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the Pamela McIntyre-Marcum Memorial Scholarships.

This year's winners are:

Faculty - Kathy Heyl, health professions professor and interim associate dean of Professional Studies, was honored for her advocacy on the part of women's issues and health, her commitment to advancing technology on campus as well as for developing talent among female staff and students.

Administrator - Interim Assistant Vice President of Information Technology Yvonne Flood's nomination outlined her "outspoken advocacy" on the part of women students and employees and cited her extensive college service. Flood has given time to the President's Committee on the Status of Women, the President's Multicultural Advisory Committee and the College Commencement Committee.

Administrator - Mary Lou Van Voorhis, an advisor in Academic Advising, received her award for her longstanding support of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Student Services. Her nomination stated that she is "well loved by GLBT students" and serves as an "important role model."

Classified employee - Maria Garcia works in the office of Academic Affairs. According to her nomination, Garcia is a "source of inspiration," a "saint," and it was noted, "the office wouldn't run without her."

Student - Erin Durban, a senior majoring in critical race and gender studies was distinguished for her human rights work on behalf of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Student Services office, Planned Parenthood and the American Friends Services Committee. She regularly speaks on GLBT, reproductive health and militarism issues at area high schools, campus classes and at conferences and rallies.

Alumna - Geraldine Grimes, '87, the deputy director of the Hope Center, was honored for her long-time community activism on the part of Denver children and Metro State. Grimes has been an ongoing member and past president of the Metro State Alumni Association and has served on the college foundation board.

In addition to the above awards, two Friends of the Institute awards were announced: the Diversity Initiatives Committee and senior history major Bob Choflet.

Three Pamela McIntyre-Marcum Memorial Scholarships were also presented to: Kimberlee Jones, Misty Conrad and Carol West.