Western women dominate Women of Excellence awards

Honoured were Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry Dean Carol Herbert, Kinesiology professor and women's rugby coach Natascha Wesch, Faculty of Graduate Studies Associate Dean Carol Beynon and Professor Emerita Mary J. Wright.

The award has recognized the work of almost 60 women over the last 13 years.

"The achievement of these women is a tribute to the hard work and dedication each shows for their community," says Shaun Elliott, YMCA of London CEO. "The award is very important to the YMCA as it represents our commitment to the development of spirit, mind and body in people of all backgrounds, beliefs and abilities in our global community."

For Herbert, honoured in the Health, Science and Technology category for leadership in patient-centred teaching and innovative development at Western, the award means a great deal.

"Seeing what the YMCA is doing here in London, and the strength of the great programs they offer, it is wonderful to be recognized in this way," she says.

Wesch was recognized in the Sport, Fitness and Recreation category for her commitment to the athletic and academic development of young women through the sport of rugby. A lecturer and doctoral student in sport psychology, Wesch was elated upon hearing of her selection.

"When I look and see the other women that have been recognized it's an honour to be part of that group," she says.
Beynon, former Chair of Graduate Studies at the Faculty of Education and now Associate Dean in the Faculty of Graduate Studies, was recognized in the Arts, Culture and Heritage category for contributions to choral music as founder and director of the Amabile Boys' and Men's Choirs.

"It's a wonderful feeling when others honour you in such a way," she says. "Perhaps what you're doing is making a difference in the community."

Wright, namesake of the Mary J. Wright University Lab Preschool in the Department of Psychology, was singled out in the Education, Training and Development category for pioneering work in child psychology.

"It's nice to be recognized in your town; a prophet in your own land," laughs Wright. "I thank them for the honour."

Past Western individual honorees have included Bessie Borwein, Moira Stewart, Madeline Lennon, Ann Chambers and Beryl Ivey.

This year's list of honourees also included Shirley Hickman (Community Volunteerism and Humanity), Ruth Young (Business, Professions and Trade) and Sabrina Karim. The women will also be recognized at the Women of Excellence gala May 1 at the London Convention Centre.

Information about tickets for the fundraiser, and full biographical sketches are at:
http://www.womenofexcellence.ca.