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Women’s Recognition Luncheon inspires and honors women’s contributions

Release Date
Location
Student & Culinary Arts Center (Bldg. M)
From left to right: Dr. Cyndi Scheuer, Women's Recognition Luncheon speaker/Brazell winner Kristine Donahue, and Dr. Brenda Hildreth.
From L-R: HFC Dean of the School of Health & Human Services (HHS) Dr. Cyndi Scheuer; the President of Corewell (formerly Beaumont) Hospitals in Taylor, Trenton, and Wayne Kristine Donahue, an HFC alumna and the winner of the 2023 Gene L. Brazell Community Role Model Award; and HFC counselor Dr. Brenda Hildreth, emcee of the Women's Recognition Luncheon.

The annual Women’s Recognition Luncheon took place at the Student & Culinary Arts Center for the first time since 2019. The Luncheon recognizes the extraordinary contributions of women to the HFC community, and raises money for the HawkStrong Emergency Fund, which provides emergency funding for HFC students through HFC Student Outreach and Support.

The 2023 Luncheon theme was “Fanning the Flames of Aspirations and Dreams.” Here are some highlights from the event (see photos below).

Women’s Recognition Committee Chair Dr. Brenda Hildreth was the event's emcee. She began the event with a "surprise" recognition of the myriad contributions of Kathy Dimitriou, Executive Assistant to the President. Dimitriou came to the stage to receive a beautiful crystal award as a memento of appreciation for her decades of distinguished service to the College.

HFC Trustee McDonald co-presented awards with Dr. Hildreth.

2023 Women’s Recognition Award winners

2023 Staff Award: Valencia Purry
2023 Faculty Award: Deborah Zopf
2023 Administrator Award: Karen Sadanowicz
2023 Gene L. Brazell Community Role Model Award: Kristine Donahue, RN, BSN, MBA

Donahue presented a personal and inspirational keynote address that led to her conclusion that achieving one's dreams comes from fanning the flames of inspiration -- as well as hard work, the support of exceptional mentors an advocates, and a close connection to the mission of your work.

Acknowledgement of 2020 winners

Because the 2020 event had to be canceled one week before it was scheduled to take place, Dr. Hildreth honored the winners who would have been recognized at the 2020 event:

2020 Staff Award: Connie Holland
2020 Faculty Award: Elaine Saneske
2020 Administrator Award: Karen Schoen
2020 Gene L. Brazell Community Role Model Award: Karen Mazo

The Women’s Recognition Committee thanks everyone who attended the event, all who donated to the HawkStrong Emergency Fund, and all who worked hard to make this event a success -- including and especially the HFC Culinary Arts program, the HFC Music program, the A/V support team, and HFC Marketing and Communications.

Next year's Women's Recognition Luncheon will be March 29, 2024. Mark your calendar to save the date!

From L-R: Dr. Deborah Zopf, winner of the 2023 Faculty Award, and Dr. Brenda Hildreth.
From L-R: Dr. Deborah Zopf, winner of the 2023 Faculty Award, and Dr. Brenda Hildreth.
From L-R: Karen Sadanowicz, winner of the 2023 Administrator Award, and Dr. Brenda Hildreth.
From L-R: Karen Sadanowicz, winner of the 2023 Administrator Award, and Dr. Brenda Hildreth.
From L-R: Valencia Purry, winner of the 2023 Staff Award, and Dr. Brenda Hildreth.
From L-R: Valencia Purry, winner of the 2023 Staff Award, and Dr. Brenda Hildreth.
HFC Executive Assistant to the President Kathy Dimitriou (center) was awarded for her decades of service to HFC. She is flanked by HFC Board Trustee Roxanne McDonald (left) and Dr. Brenda Hildreth (right).
HFC Executive Assistant to the President Kathy Dimitriou (center) was awarded for her decades of service to HFC. She is flanked by HFC Board Trustee Roxanne McDonald (left) and Dr. Brenda Hildreth (right).
Attendees of the Women's Recognition Luncheon enjoy their meals as they listen to HFC Board Trustee Roxanne McDonald speak.
Attendees of the Women's Recognition Luncheon enjoy their meals as they listen to HFC Board Trustee Roxanne McDonald speak.
A beautiful ice carving depicting this year's event artwork was on display at the Women's Recognition Luncheon.
A beautiful ice carving depicting this year's event artwork was on display at the Women's Recognition Luncheon.