University Women’s Commission recognizes employees, students

April 22, 2010 | News, UToday
By Vicki L. Kroll



Dr. Rosemary Haggett, right, posed for a photo with Outstanding Women Award recipient Sharon Periat.

Dr. Rosemary Haggett, right, posed for a photo with Outstanding Women Award recipient Sharon Periat.

Two UT employees were honored last week for their exceptional contributions to the campus community at the 24th annual Outstanding Women’s Awards ceremony.

The University Women’s Commission sponsored the program, which was held in the Savage Arena Joe Grogan Room Thursday. Dr. Rosemary Haggett, Main Campus provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, handed out awards.

Receiving Outstanding Women Awards were Sharon Periat, interim director of student services in the College of Health Science and Human Service, and Vandra Robinson, curriculum systems analyst in the Registrar’s Office.

Periat started working at the University in the late 1980s at the former Community and Technical College as a placement-testing monitor. She then became a part-time adviser to those seeking associate degrees. Periat came to Main Campus when the College of Health Science and Human Service was formed.

Dr. Rosemary Haggett, right, presented an Outstanding Women Award to Vandra Robinson.

Dr. Rosemary Haggett, right, presented an Outstanding Women Award to Vandra Robinson.

“Sharon has a staff of advisers that she oversees; she completes the degree audits, jumps in to assist whenever there are questions and concerns, and much more,” one nominator wrote. “In addition, Sharon is a ‘one-woman’ show as recruiter. With tight budgets, she has had to wear many hats, and she wears them well. Her dedication and commitment to her work is exceptional. Rarely does she ever complain. She is professional and will solve a problem no matter how big or how small.”

“I enjoy working with students and helping them reach their academic goals,” Periat said. “My job as interim director of student services in the College of Health Science and Human Service is never routine or boring.”

Robinson joined the UT staff in 2005 as an academic coordinator in the Department of Civil Engineering. She moved to the Registrar’s Office in 2008. She is working on a doctorate in higher education at the University, from which she received a bachelor of arts degree in 1998.

“Vandra’s duties include developing, evaluating and maintaining transfer courses and degree audits for students,” a nominator noted. “Vandra knows that the speed and accuracy of her work can make or break a student’s experience at The University of Toledo. She works hands-on with faculty, staff and students, as well as closely with the academic colleges and Provost offices to ensure academic programs and course modifications are reflected accurately. She does all of this with a genuine care and concern for the students.”

Students who received scholarships were, from left, Linda Amrou, Nicole Beck and Angel Marie Ellison, and, not shown, Paulette Bongratz.

Students who received scholarships were, from left, Linda Amrou, Nicole Beck and Angel Marie Ellison, and, not shown, Paulette Bongratz.

“I love working at UT because I love being a part of molding and shaping the future,” Robinson said. “I want to help students be successful, and I will do whatever I can to help.”

The University Women’s Commission also presented $1,000 scholarships to four students. Receiving awards based on academic achievement, support of women’s and gender issues, and campus and community involvement were:

• Linda Amrou, a junior majoring in law and social thought;

• Nicole Beck, a junior majoring in economics;

• Paulette Bongratz, a sophomore majoring in international business; and

• Angel Marie Ellison, a senior majoring in early childhood education.

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