Women's Commission Maxine Swanson Advocacy Award
Award Description & Nomination Criteria
This annual award is presented to an individual who has provided leadership in support of the rights of women at Grand Valley State University. The Maxine Swanson Award will be presented at the annual Celebrating Women Awards Ceremony.
Nominations are encouraged from all employment groups at Grand Valley. The nomination and selection process is confidential. Please do not notify the candidate of your decision to nominate them. Those chosen for the award will be notified prior to the event. Any member of the Grand Valley community may be nominated for this award. Nominees will be reviewed based on the following criteria:
- Advocacy, beyond one's job responsibilities, for gender equity in alignment with the mission of the Women's Commission
- Contribution to an environment that supports the rights of all women at Grand Valley State University
- Commitment to the development of policies that support women's professional growth, learning, and creativity
- Promotion of community-building among women across campus
- Embodiment of the mission, vision, values, and core competencies of Grand Valley State University
Past Maxine Swanson Award Recipients
2023 - Melanie Shell-Weiss
2022 - [Shift from Winter to Fall]
2021 - [COVID Pause]
2020 - [COVID Pause]
2019 - Mary Karpen
2018 - Melissa Peraino
2017 - Jennifer Palm
2016 - Stephanie Schaertel
2015 - Mary DeYoung
2014 - Connie Dang
2013 - Colette Seguin Beighley
2012 - Harriet Singleton
2011 - Jo-Ann Wassenaar
2010 - Erin Busscher
2009 - Nancy Giardina
2008 - Connie Ingham
2007 - Sue Sloop
2006 - Kathleen Underwood
2005 - Gayla Jewell
2004 - Wendy Wenner
2003 - Catherine Frerichs
2002 - Marlene Kowalski-Braun
2001 - Diana Pace
2000 - Georgianna Klein
1999 - Mary Seger
1998 - Virginia Gordon