Sellers Walker will receive a 2005 Woman of "E" Quality Award. The award recognizes local women who have worked to improve the quality of life in the community, who are committed to ensuring women's equal access to resources and leadership, and who by their example are a source of inspiration to others.
Sellers Walker recently retired as a professor in the School of Public and Nonprofit Administration at Grand Valley and currently serves as associate director of the Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership.
Prior to joining the faculty of Grand Valley, Sellers Walker held several different positions, including assistant city manager for the City of Grand Rapids. She became the first woman and first African American to head a major division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. She also served as personnel director for the Detroit Public Library.
She holds a bachelor's degree from Wayne State University and a master's degree from Western Michigan University. She also serves on numerous community boards and has received several awards in recognition of her professional and community service, including the 2005 Arend D. Lubbers Award from Grand Valley State University.
Also receiving a 2005 Woman of "E" Quality Award is Karen Henry. Henry has been the executive director of Weed & Seed for more than five years. Weed & Seed is an anti-crime initiative that is housed under Grand Valley's School of Criminal Justice.
The event will be held on Wednesday, August 24, at Grand Valley State University's Eberhard Center in Grand Rapids. The celebration begins at 4:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception. The program runs from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
For interviews call Margaret Sellers Walker at 616-331-7585, or Grand Valley's News and Information Services department at 616-331-2221.
