November 1998

Related Links Women's Studies Research and Resource Center at Mason

Advisory Board Supports George Mason Women By Helen Ackerman Women at George Mason, both faculty members and students, have a staunch advocate in the Women's Advisory Board. Established in 1995, the group's goal is to advise and assist George Mason in the development of programs to improve women's educational and employment opportunities. The group is particularly interested in the work of the Women's Studies Research and Resource Center, and in encouraging women in the fields of business, engineering, science, and technology. According to founding chair Lucy C. Church, "We wanted to make a difference for women. It's very important for women students to be aware of their opportunities in traditionally male fields, and to have a chance to interact with women who are successful leaders in business and industry." One of the group's most successful initiatives is the Dorothy and Hugh McDiarmid Fund. Named after legislator Dorothy McDiarmid and her husband, the fund is designed to support scholarship, leadership development, recruitment, and retention for women students in the fields of business, engineering, the sciences, and technology. So far, the board has raised almost $260,000 as part of a $1-million campaign. President Alan Merten is enthusiastic about the support of the board. "This is an impressive group, made up of women in both civic and business leadership positions in Northern Virginia. Their involvement with the university brings an important dimension to the development of our programs and our outreach into the community." The board's chair is Nancy Eberhardt, former president of Central Fidelity Bank, Northern Region. Other board members are Deborah H. Alderson, Techmatics; Elizabeth L. Anderson, Sciences International, Inc.; The Honorable Rosemarie Annunziata, Court of Appeals of Virginia; Debra B. Bergoffen, George Mason University; Marilynn D. Bersoff, BTG, Inc.; Ann B. Bogat, Van Metre Companies; Lucy C. Church; Lou Cook; Marilyn Farrish; Lovey Hammel, EEI, Inc.; Bonnie Horner, FreBon International Corp.; Anne Kelly; Penny Pasquesi Kuhnmuench, EDS; Ginger Ehn Lew, Telecommunications Development Fund; Bonnie Matheson, Heathfield; Sally L. Merten; Martha V. Pennino; Karen Rosenblum, George Mason University; Lou Ann Scanlan, UUCOM, Inc.; Lilyan Spero; Carol Walcoff, Walcoff; Helen Westfall, Fairfax County Public Schools; Jane Woods, Virginia Senate; and Susan J. Williams, Bracy Williams & Company.