Friday, July 12, 2002

New organization celebrates women at CCSU

There's a faint rumble in the distance, but it's growing louder and more distinct every day. An organization that celebrates women and their achievements is beginning to materialize at Clayton College & State University.

Clayton State Women's Forum is in the infant stages of creation, but is expected to become a valuable instrument which will enhance, support and encourage, not only the women who work for the university, but the men and the students of Clayton State as a whole.

The purpose of the forum is "to promote and enhance the professional, educational, and cultural position of Clayton State women employees and to endow an annual scholarship for women attending or planning to attend Clayton College & State University. In addition, the Forum will promote the educational, career and scholarship development activities of women through programming, mentoring and advocacy," according to the bylaws of the Forum.

Membership is open to any individual employed by Clayton State, male or female (including student employees), and meetings will be held monthly during the regular nine-month school term. All meetings will be open to the general public and will include a guest speaker, the first of whom will be the new Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Sharon E. Hoffman. A calendar of speakers will be announced in August and will consist of community leaders and career women, from both local and state levels, according to Eunice Glover, assistant vice president and director of Human Resources and Services at Clayton State.

One of the main focuses of the Forum is to endow an annual scholarship for women attending the University. "The Women's Forum goal of endowing an annual scholarship for a female student is a worthy project for me to invest my time and effort," said Joan McElroy, fundraising chairperson of the Forum and Employment Relations Coordinator for Clayton State.

McElroy, who is experienced in soliciting corporate sponsors for campus career days and is a former Clayton State team captain for The March of Dimes, is more than qualified for her role in the Forum. "With the help of people on the Clayton State campus, we will make the scholarship a reality."

As head of the Scholarship Committee, Dr. Benita H. Moore, acting dean of the School of Technology, is equally excited about the scholarship endowment. According to Moore, she and her group will be "charged with determining and carrying out a process for the selection of appropriate scholarship recipients".

Beyond the scholarship, the Forum's focus is on the enhancement and encouragement of women. A fraternity of men and women working together to mentor, support and celebrate women and their achievements; a place to give back the knowledge and expertise that gives authenticity to the time and effort that makes a successful, worthwhile career, according to Glover.

"I think women have made great strides in the last five years, but I also know that there are still areas that need development," says Diane Burns, Forum membership chairperson and director of Recruitment at Clayton State. "I am excited to be in charge of membership and want everyone on campus to know that both men and women are welcome to participate."

The first meeting open to the public will be in September, with dates and details forthcoming. For information, contact Stephanie Bolton at stephaniebolton@mail.clayton.edu.