April 15, 2010

Bryant recognizes contributions of outstanding women

The 15th Annual Women’s Herstory Awards are presented to students for their work in the classroom and in the community.

At the beginning of March, an e-mail went out to the Bryant community seeking nominations for the annual Herstory Awards. “We would like to acknowledge the female students on campus who have worked to create a more equitable and just environment for women,” the e-mail read.

One student in particular – Morgan Buell ’10 (Waterbury, CT) – immediately came to the mind of English and Cultural Studies Assistant Professor Jeff Cabusao. He has had a front-row seat as Buell works on a senior project that is part of her major in literary and cultural studies. Her work examines the emergence of the feminist consciousness in a capstone project she titled “What’s Feminism Got To Do With It?” She is also creating a documentary about the history of the Women’s Center at Bryant that will be presented at the New England Women’s Studies Association conference in May.

“I am in awe of Morgan’s ability to embrace her educational experience and make it her own,” said Cabusao in presenting Buell her award at the 15th Annual Herstory Awards.

Buell was among the students recognized at the event that served as the finale to Bryant’s commemoration of Women’s History Month. The month included visits by prominent women, Bryant’s Telling Her Story Series, a self-defense workshop, and several films.

Buell, who is a member of President Machtley’s Senior Advisory Council, the Student Alumni Association, and the Communication Society, traveled to New Orleans over spring break last year to help continue the rebuilding efforts from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

“I have gained leadership experience and worked in a variety of environments that allowed me to use the strategies and skills I learned in the classroom,” says Buell.

Opening Doors

Nicole Archambault ’10 (Southington, CT) has been an active part of Bryant’s Relay for Life since she arrived on campus. She served as the assistant director as a first-year student, before she ascended to the top spot as a sophomore. She has also served as the vice president and now president of Bryant’s chapter of Colleges Against Cancer. Her passionate work to help find a cure for cancer – and ability lead others – was recognized with a Herstory Award.

“The most inspirational part of Nickie’s work has been her support and guidance of the females she works with,” wrote Center for Student Involvement Assistant Director Rich Hurley ’04 in his nomination. “She has been their life coach, mentor, role model, and biggest cheerleader.”

Archambault, who is an Admission Ambassador, a member, of President Machtley’s Senior Advisory Council, and a past member of the CIS Leadership Council, has also been inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa and Beta Gamma Sigma. In July, she will begin working in the Hartford Insurance Company’s financial development program.

“It was a tremendous honor receiving a Herstory Award especially considering how many female student leaders do such incredible work on campus each day,” she says.

Another award winner, Jessica Reategui ’10 (Wethersfield, CT), recently took part in a service learning trip to the Dominican Republic. There, she conducted focus groups with young women to talk to them about micro-enterprise opportunities and taught children English and computer skills. She also has experience volunteering with children locally at the CVS Highlander Charter School in Providence.

“Jess has been highly involved in the Rhode Island community during her time at Bryant, and has found her passion is working with at-risk adolescent girls,” explained Women’s Center Director Toby Simon in presenting the award. “She has been a mentor to many of these girls and has worked tirelessly to help them grow and develop as young women.”

Providing opportunities

A joint Herstory award was also given to Kaitlyn O’Rourke ’10 (Cranston, RI) and Kathleen Libby ’10 (Torrington, CT) for their work creating the Students in Free Enterprise Young Women’s Colloquium (YWC). Over the last two years, nearly 100 local high school and college students have come to Bryant to take part in the half-day program that is modeled after Bryant’s Women’s Summit®.

“This award is an honor,” says Libby, “because we have worked very hard to make sure women have opportunities to advance as members of the Bryant community and in the workforce.”

“Kathleen and Kaitlyn are extremely hard-working individuals,” commented Women’s Summit Director Kati Machtley, who worked closely with the YWC organizers. “They provided a great educational program that better prepared the participants for situations that they may encounter in their internships and work lives.”

Meghan Aloisio ’10 (Gloucester, MA) was recognized with a Herstory Award for dedicating much of her energy outside of the classroom towards creating a vibrant campus life through her work with the Student Programming Board.

“Throughout my time at Bryant, I have been fortunate enough to watch strong women, both students and professionals, influence this campus in positive ways,” says Aloisio. “These women have inspired me to work hard and challenge myself daily.”

‘Confidence to speak out…’

As part of the Herstory Awards, special recognition was given to seniors Camille Bouknight and Jennifer Sherman, who have each spent two years working as assistants the Women’s Center.

“The best part of working at the Women’s Center is the fact that I can positively contribute to the campus community,” says Sherman. In September, she will enroll in the Massachusetts School of Law to pursue a dual degree in business administration and law.

Bouknight says she was interested in getting involved in the work of the Women’s Center after the positive interaction she had with the center’s director, Toby Simon. The events she will remember the most are the movie nights followed by discussions that brought important women’s rights issues to the forefront.

“My experience working in the Women’s Center,” says Bouknight, “has given me the confidence to speak out on issues that I am passionate about.”

Changing the status quo

In her keynote address, Sociology Professor Judy McDonnell commended all of the risk takers and change agents for their efforts in fostering a welcoming campus community.

She cited the establishment of the Women’s Center, the Intercultural Center, the Women’s Summit, and Bryant Pride as a few of the many resources that have made Bryant a better place for women and men.

“Maintaining the status quo is easier than crossing into the wilderness of change,” she told the audience.

Despite all the progress, there is always more that can be done, encouraged McDonnell. “There is a whole lot of wilderness out there,” she said.