BIG RAPIDS - Since 1982, the Ferris Professional Women have been recognizing women leaders at Ferris State University through the FPW Woman of the Year award, which this year honors Karyn Benner, College Day and Special Programs coordinator, Office of Minority Student Affairs.
"Karyn is an outstanding role model for young women and distinguished herself this year by her extraordinary efforts," said Jana Hurley, the 2004-05 FPW Woman of the Year. "Many of her contributions related directly and powerfully to the support of women's education via the creation of the Virtual Women's Center, Women's History Month and participation in the Vagina Monologues. Karyn has proven to be an effective leader and a tireless collaborator."
Benner's leadership on the Ferris campus also can be seen through her work serving as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Week committee co-chair, among other campus involvement.
"If there is one woman on the Ferris State University campus that deserves the Woman of the Year Award for 2005-06, hands-down it is Karyn Benner," said Matt Eickhoff, Student Engagement and Activities coordinator, who nominated Benner for the award. "Karyn has dedicated innumerable amounts of time and energy to several causes that help recognize women on our campus and further women's issues."
Ferris Professional Women Treasurer Lisa Besemer said this year's candidates all were phenomenal. "We have so many awesome women on this campus. We really feel fortunate to have such great women among us in the Ferris community."
The Ferris Professional Women strive to promote experience, learning and growth through networking for the organization's members. Active membership is open to people employed at Ferris, their spouses and retirees. For membership information, contact one of FPW's officers by visiting www.ferris.edu/HTMLS/othersrv/FPW/officers.htm.