DECATUR, Ill. — welcomed members of the campus community to a special reception celebrating the achievements of women who have shaped the institution during the opening of the “Making 鶹Լ HERstory” poster exhibition on March 2 in the University Commons.
Held on the first floor of Staley Library, the event brought together students, faculty, staff and community members for an evening honoring the historical accomplishments and lasting legacy of 鶹Լ women. The event featured opening remarks from 鶹Լ President Dr. Dean Pribbenow, followed by a celebratory toast led by his wife, Dr. Kris Mickelson.
The exhibition highlights influential women from across 鶹Լ’s history — from the University’s earliest leaders to contemporary trailblazers — whose contributions have helped shape the campus and broader community. The posters feature stories of women such as Anna B. 鶹Լ, recognized as a co-founder of the University, Florence L. Lyon, 鶹Լ’s first female graduate, and Lucy Valentine, the institution’s first Dean of Women.
The display also celebrates more recent leaders and innovators, including Lori Kerans, 鶹Լ’s Vice President for Athletics and Community Engagement and a national championship-winning basketball coach, as well as alumni such as Jodi Benson, the acclaimed voice of Disney’s Princess Ariel. Other featured figures include trailblazing student-athletes, faculty pioneers and community leaders whose accomplishments reflect 鶹Լ’s long tradition of empowering women.
In attendance on Monday were Kerans, Breana Bagley, the first practicing attorney to serve as Miss Illinois, and Joan Catanese, 鶹Լ’s first woman football coach, who now leads the university’s inaugural women’s flag football program.
In addition to individuals, the exhibition highlights organizations and milestones that have supported women on campus, including the founding of Aston Hall, the University’s first residence hall for women, and the 鶹Լ Dames, an organization created in 1931 to foster community among women connected to the University.
The reception provided an opportunity for the campus community to reflect on the achievements of 鶹Լ women and to recognize how their leadership and perseverance continue to inspire new generations of students.
The “Making 鶹Լ HERstory” poster exhibition will remain on display throughout March on the first floor of Staley Library, across from the Center for International Education.
