March 14, 2019
Walsh University celebrated the impact of its female students, faculty, and staff who have used their talent and leadership to serve the Walsh campus and the surrounding community at the annual Women of Distinction Luncheon and Awards Ceremony, on March 13, in the Barrette Business and Community Center.
"We’re gathered here today to be inspired by women of Walsh University who are being recognized for their unique talents and God given gifts and their selfless dedication in sharing those gifts with our community," said Vice President of Student Affairs Amy Malaska. "We recognize students for their selfless service and teaching each other as they move towards their path. Our faculty, who continue to be experts in their field and share their knowledge with others. Our staff, who are mentors facilitating the growth and development of others. Our alums, who are out there changing the world. And particularly our legacy members, who boldly embrace our faith tradition and are an inspiration to us all."
During the luncheon the following awards were presented:
- Excellence in Professional Leadership Award: Meredith Soduk '06, Director of Academic Support Services
- Woman of Faith Award: Theresa Jusseaume ’74
- Leader in Service Award: Erin Clark ’12
- Emerging Leader Award: Walsh Seniors Madison Markus and Carolyn Dreyer. The Walsh Alumni Board has graciously extended two $250.00 scholarships to the Emerging Leader Award winners, Madison and Carolyn.
- Excellence in Academic Leadership Award: Dr. Patricia Berg, Assistant Professor, DeVille School of Business
In addition to the annual awards, the Walsh Women of Purpose Committee honored First Lady Theresa Jusseaume with the Woman of Faith Award for her years of dedicated service to the Walsh University community.
"The Women of Purpose Initiative wanted to honor Mrs. Jusseaume because of her immense support of Walsh University as the Director of Outreach Ministry. She is a woman who has utilized her faith to energize our campus, along with faithfully standing beside our President with love, support, encouragement and faith, setting an example of true commitment to him and the work he has been called to do at Walsh University," said Tiffany Kinnard Payton, M.A., Assistant Dean of Students/Title IX Coordinator. "Just like St. Therese of Lisieux, Mrs. Jusseaume has utilized 'little ways’ of trusting in Jesus, and creating small daily moments of ministry to greatly impact others. This is evidenced by the impact she had on a group of girls in a Canton City Schools leadership group many years ago. They came to campus and because of the kindness shown by Mrs. Jusseaume, one of those girls committed to attending Walsh University, and she graduated in 2016. In the words of Mother Teresa, 'Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.’"
The luncheon Keynote was delivered by Erin Clark '12, Founder and President of Love in Neglect Communities, which provides impoverished youth access to five core resources needed for basic survival: clean water, sustainable food sources, health and sanitation, education and safety. Erin received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing at Walsh University and is a travel nurse who works closely with ICU medical teams to provide care for critically ill patients. Erin founded Linc Worldwide with her cousin after they spent several weeks serving the poor and suffering in Kenya.
Echoing the National Women’s History Month theme of Visionary Women, Walsh University embraced the theme of Women of Vision: Champions for Change and Leadership to commemorate accomplishments of the women on Walsh University’s campus. The event was organized by the 2019 Women of Purpose Initiative with support from the President’s Diversity Council, Alumni Relations, Student Affairs, SODEXO, Melissa Stout -Walsh University Bookstore, Director of Campus and Community Progarms Jackie Manser and Campus Programs Staff.