Female students and administrators saw their careers honored Sunday at the 2001 Outstanding Women Student Awards presentation.

“It’s a very special day,” said Amy Levin, director of women’s studies. “There are many women who have succeeded at Northern, and these women are obviously the next group.”

These awards have been in existence for about 21 years and are given to women who have changed the climate of womanhood. The ceremony was held at the Regency Room in the Holmes Student Center.

“This is one of my favorite activities,” Levin said. “It is so awe-inspiring. I feel rather timid.”

The top award given at the ceremony was the Wilma D. Stricklin Award for Enhancing the Climate for Women at NIU. The award was presented by past recipient provost Lynne Waldeland to Anne Kaplan, and vice president of administration.

The award was named after the former associate provost who called the administration’s attention to the growing number of women returning to school and was instrumental in the establishment of the Office of University Resources for Women.

The award is given yearly to someone who has distinguished herself or himself by being persistent in making continual and extraordinary contributions to the climate for women at NIU, said Peggy Doherty, director of the art museum.

“It’s always gratifying to get recognition for what you love doing,” Kaplan said. “It’s special to me.”

Also, 46 student awards were presented. A committee was formed to decide the recipients of those awards.

“We look at their contribution within their major, their contribution in the university and contributions to community service,” said Sharon Howard, director of the Office of University Resources for Women. “We also look at their plans and goals, other awards and scholarships they received and obstacles they have overcome.”

Recipients were happy with their awards.

“It’s very overwhelming.” said Diane Swanson, who was awarded for her B.A. in French. “I’m amazed at some of the accomplishments that have been done.”

Loar Mayes, who won for her B.A. in corporate communication, shared her reaction.

“It was awesome,” Mayes said. “It was especially overjoying to be a part of it.”