Three individuals who have demonstrated a passion and dedication towards progressing equality for women within Emporia were recognized for that dedication Friday.
Emporia State University’s Ethnic and Genders Study program presented it’s annual Women’s History Month awards inside the ESU Memorial Union. Among the individuals recognized was ESU Volleyball Coach Bing Xu who was honored with the Mary Headrick Award for a long-term commitment to promoting the development of women on and off-campus.
Xu says as a coach it is important for him to not only build great athletes but great human beings as well.
Library science Master’s student Emily Carlson received the Susan B Anthony Scholarship recognizing her significant contributions to the growth and education of women on campus. Carlson says she is proud to attend an institution that places a high level of emphasis on diversity and inclusion.
ESU assistant professor in the Communication and Theatre Department Dr. Jasmine Linabary was also honored with the Ruth Schillinger Award for her “extraordinary contribution” to the women of Emporia State over a sustained period of time. Dr. Linabary was nominated by both colleagues and students for her dedication to diversity and inclusion for all individuals.
Dr. Linabary says having the recognition of her colleagues is a great feeling, however, knowing her students also see the amount of passion and dedication she has in her role makes the honor all the more special.
Director of Ethnic and Gender Studies Mallory Koci says these awards are much more than just a time of celebration, they also symbolize an intergenerational connection between the recent recipients and the individuals who came before them.
Friday’s ceremony culminated a month’s worth of activities across the ESU campus to celebrate the accomplishments of women as well as the 50th anniversary of Title IX.
Koci says plans are in place for a series of Title IX-related events in the coming fall semester to celebrate the official anniversary of the legislation. Additional details will be released at a later time.
