Keene Equinox

Issue date: 3/27/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Patrick Mcney / Photo Editor Juliana Eades, president of the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, is honored during 18th annual President's Outstanding Women of New Hampshire Awards on March 24, 2008.

Monday evening was a time to recognize March as National Women's History Month and acknowledge four women based on their service and leadership.

Keene State College President Helen Giles-Gee welcomed all those who attended the Eighteenth Annual Outstanding Women of New Hampshire Awards.

"Tonight's an opportunity to honor women who have contributed to the school, community, region and state," said Giles-Gee.

Beginning with a little bit of history, Giles- Gee explained that March is recognized as National Women's History Month.

In 1981, the United States Congress passed a resolution establishing National Women's History Week. In 1987, the week was expanded to a month.

Each year has a different theme, this year's theme was "Celebrating Women's Art: Women's Vision," recognizing women's accomplishments and creativity.

One of the four women distinguished was Keene State College senior, Jahleh Ghanbari.

An English major and women studies minor, she thanked all the women in her life and those who have gone unnoticed, "I'm grateful an award like this exists to recognize women."

She said actions are not extraordinary, they're necessary.

Ghanbari said she feels undeserving of the award and everyone should be acknowledged, "All women in the audience should take a moment to congratulate themselves for all their work."

Psychology instructor, Dottie Morris, was honored for her strong commitment to deepen our understanding of gender, race, and class issues. When given the award, she said she's not a speechless person, until now.

"It's hard to receive an award for something I love doing and it's even harder to explain how much I love what I do," said Morris.

Admitting that she likes to tell stories, Morris shared one. "When I was a little girl, I wanted to ride my bike without my training wheels, so I asked my dad to help me. He was holding on to me and I had not realized that he let go. I said, 'daddy, are you there?' When I turned around and saw that he had let go, I fell. But when he came over he said to me, 'I won't always be there to hold on, but I'll always be there.'"

Morris said, to her, it's a responsibility to help others and it's hard to accept the award without recognizing the people in her life who have helped her. She thanked her family for all the lessons she has learned.

Recognized in the Monadnock community, Jan Cohen was honored for her passion for global justice and equality, empowerment of women and girls and more.

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