Two women have been honored with one of the most prestigious awards in the Creighton community for working toward creating a supportive environment for women.
Rose Hill, the assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Tricia McSorley, a third year law student, are the 2009 recipients of the Mary Lucretia and Sarah Emily Awards.
Mary Higgins, chair of the Selection Committee, explained how the two individuals stood out from the other fourteen nominees.
“For Rose, it was obvious that she has been a role model for many at the College of Arts and Sciences. Over the years, she has assisted so many individuals both personally and professionally.
“Tricia has been an inspiration to those watching her balance the demands of law school as well as family,” Higgins said. “Her level of involvement in the life of the law school has been extraordinary,”
As assistant dean in the College of Arts and Sciences for the past 10 years, and working at Creighton for 20, Hill manages the budget and provides guidance to her fellow faculty and staff members. Along with excelling at her job, Hill also volunteers as the Joslyn Museum as a librarian, assists at book sales at the Omaha Public Library and gives aid to students applying for the Gates Millennium Scholarship.
“She doesn’t realize the differences she makes. Everyone respects Rose, and Rose respects everyone,” said Chris Karasek, a co-worker who nominated Hill for the award.
“I was overwhelmed. I had to sit down,” Hill said after learning she had won. “I am honored to represent women at Creighton.”
The award caused Hill to recall all the opportunities that have been presented to her. She explained how 10 years ago there was one full-time professor, and now there are too many to even count.
“It just reminds me of how far women have come, and how far we still have to go,” Hill said.
McSorley had a similar reaction.
“I freaked out,” she said. “It hit me hard because I know it’s a big deal, and I’m so humbled to be nominated and now accepted into a group of extraordinary women.”
A third-year law student and mother of three, McSorley is also the vice president of the Student Bar Association, a member of Women’s Law Association and an active member in breast cancer awareness with the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
McSorley said the award caused her to realize that people had been paying attention to her efforts in breast cancer awareness.
“I can’t do enough already.” McSorley said. “I hope to use this award and experience to spread the word even further and meet even more people.”
The Committee on Status of Women will present the awards during a luncheon in the Harper Ballroom (3024) at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 12.