Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
March 30, 2001
Guelph Faculty, Staff among Women of Distinction recipients
Three University of Guelph professors and a part-time staff member have been named recipients of the 2001 Women of Distinction Awards by the YMCA-YWCA of Guelph. U of G's former director of development and a U of G graduate were also honoured.
The awards recognize women and their achievements in eight categories: arts and culture; business, labour, the professions and entrepreneurs; education, training and development; lifetime achievement; science, technology and the environment; voluntary community humanitarian service; wellness, health and active living; and young woman of distinction.
Prof. Donna Lero, Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, was honored in the wellness, health and active living category. Lero co-founded the University's Centre for Families, Work and Well-Being, where she helps families manage work and home responsibilities, and works to promote responsive family-friendly work environments. She also has been involved in research on stress facing working families and was asked to evaluate the province's "Healthy Babies, Healthy Children" program. Recently, she and the centre played an active role in the You Bet I Care! studies on the quality of child care in Canada, the most systematic and multi-jurisdictional studies ever documented. "Recognition by the community is very gratifying," Lero said. "I appreciate the fact that the award reflects, as well, on the support and encouragement that the University provides for interdisciplinary, applied research."
"I am inspired by so many who are far more deserving of this award than I am – and I include among them many friends and colleagues, and many ‘unsung' heroines and heroes whose daily efforts make a huge difference in so many ways."
Prof. Janet Wood, Department of Microbiology, received the award in the science, technology and environment category. She was recognized for using her background and international reputation to benefit the community, especially by encouraging female undergraduates and girls to pursue careers in science. She has also been involved in employment, disability and literacy projects. "I believe that the roles of an academic scientist should include community service," Wood said. "After many years of intense and almost exclusive involvement in teaching, research and other University affairs, I have only recently begun to explore ways in which my academic ‘toolbox' can be applied within the community."
Judith Nasby, director of the Macdonald Stewart Art Centre and an adjunct professor in the School of Fine Art and Music, received the award in arts and culture. She was recognized for her "tireless enthusiasm and dedication" to enriching the community with art. "It is an honour to be recognized with this award for working in the arts and for this community," Nasby said. "It was an exciting moment 20 years ago when 900 people attended the opening of the arts centre. I have also worked with so many fine artists, staff, volunteers and trustees who have contributed so much for the art centre's benefit."
Marilyn Robinson-Murray, U of G's former director of development, was named the recipient of the lifetime achievement honour. Murray, who is also a U of G graduate, was recognized for her contributions with 4-H, Meals on Wheels and boards of the Homewood Foundation, Musica Viva Guelph and the Grand River Foundation.
Carol McMullen, who works part time as a counsellor at Guelph, was honoured in the education, training and development category. McMullen teaches and supports adults and children with learning disabilities and psychiatric disorders. Elizabeth Fisk, a U of G grad, was honoured in the voluntary community humanitarian service category. Her many volunteer activities have included work with Family and Children's Services, the Canadian Federation of University Women, the United Way and the Guelph Police Services Board.
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