Bonnie Beyer, professor of educational administration and public administration at UM-Dearborn, and Patricia Schlaff, special events manager for the university’s Fairlane Center, are recipients of the 31st annual Susan B. Anthony award.
The award, given by the campus’ Commission for Women (CFW), recognizes a member of the campus community who has made significant contributions to gender equality.
“This duality of the award this year is the second time it’s occurred in the long history of the Susan B. Anthony award program, and it speaks to the incredibly strong nominations we received, as well as the great affection that as been developed by the campus community for these women who are strong role models of the Susan B. Anthony motto, ‘Failure Is Impossible,'” says mathematics lecturer Timothy McKenna, who serves on the CFW’s executive board.
In recommending Beyer for the award, nominators said she encourages other women to take leadership roles through advising, discussions, and pointing out available opportunities.
“Bonnie was instrumental in bringing a population of women into the previously male-dominated MPA (Master of Public Administration) program,” nominators wrote. “Many of these women have graduated and have gone on to become school leaders. Bonnie was their professor and coach, encouraging them to compete with men and use their talents.”
Beyer, who joined the UM-Dearborn faculty in 1995, was associate dean of the School of Education from 2000-06. Beyer’s experience in K-12 education prior to her university career includes teaching and school administration in both regular and special-education programs in public, nonprofit and parochial schools.
“She strongly believes in and acts to support equity for everyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, ethnic origin or socio-economic conditions, in education, employment opportunities, and in personal interaction and activities,” according to nominators.
Also, Cheryl Johnson, chief executive officer of the Coalition on Temporary Shelter, is the recipient of UM-Dearborn’s sixth annual Susan B. Anthony Community Award.
The community award recognizes individuals in the community who advance the cause of women’s equality in southeastern Michigan.
With 25 years of experience in human services collaborating with non-profit, for profit and governmental agencies, Johnson has helped thousands of women, men and children move from homelessness to housing and stability in their lives, according to nominations for the award.
“Cheryl has devoted her life to social service work aimed at helping disadvantaged persons escape poverty and insecurity,” one nominator wrote. “She has been doing this work since she was 13 years old when she began volunteering to help troubled youth.”
