The Santa Fe College Women of Distinction recognizes outstanding female service in Alachua and Bradford Counties, and was created by the Women's History Committee at Santa Fe College in 1987. Women of Distinction has honored more than 180 outstanding women in the community since its inception and acknowledges new women each spring at a formal ceremony.
The 2019 Women of Distinction and Promise Honorees: (Seated) Gussie Mae Washington-Lee, Fran Maris, (Standing) Emily Acevedo (Woman of Promise), Linda Lee, Nilanjana Sengupta Caballero. Not pictured, Carol Bosshardt.
A Little History
"One of the bedrocks of this institution is the acknowledgement of outstanding women leaders in our community," stated Santa Fe President Jackson Sasser.
In 1987, Dr. Ann Bromley, coordinator of women's programs and special projects at Santa Fe College, sought to develop a program that would provide recognition and visibility to women for their contributions of time and talent. A committee was formed and the “Women of Distinction" honor began. Since its inception, Santa Fe College has bestowed the Woman of Distinction honor to over 180 remarkable women. In 2000, the committee created a special "Millennium Woman of Distinction" award and chose two previous recipients for the honor. Rosa B. Williams (Alachua County) and Joyce D. Riherd (Bradford County) were chosen for their tireless efforts on improving life for indigent people in their communities.
In 2006, the "Woman of Promise" category was added to honor outstanding up-and-coming young women for leadership in their community and civic involvement. So far, 16 young ladies have received this honor.
In 2014, the Women of Distinction honorees began raising funds to establish the first Woman of Distinction Scholarship fund. The first award was given for the 2015-16 academic year. Past honorees have now raised almost $150,000 to endow the Women of Distinction Scholarship Fund. The Women of Distinction continue to accept funds to build the scholarship to benefit additional students each year in perpetuity.
Do you have someone you would like to honor with a permanent legacy? Ask us how! Contact Teri McClellan at teri.mcclellan@sfcollege.edu or 352-395-5201.