Santa Fe College (SF) has recognized outstanding women in Alachua and Bradford Counties since 1987. SF has honored more than 190 outstanding women in the community and acknowledges new women each spring at a formal ceremony.
The annual luncheon will be held March 24, 2020, at the Hilton Conference Center in Gainesville, Florida. The 2020 Women of Distinction luncheon is dedicated in celebration of the 100th Year Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage and its transforming accomplishments. We encourage you to make your reservations early. Please contact Teri McClellan at 352-395-5201 or teri.mcclellan@sfcollege.edu to reserve your ticket or a table.
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The 2020 Women of Distinction and Promise Honorees: (seated) Joudi Ayroud (Woman of Promise), Natalya Bannister, Vicki Santello, (standing) Florida Bridgewater-Alford, Lisa Tatum and Christine Janks. Learn more about this year's honorees.
A Little History
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 190 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. As of this date, 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. With your support, through the SF Women of Distinction Scholarship, we have raised over $180,000 to endow three (almost four) scholarships designed to enable women to achieve their academic goals without the financial burden which might inhibit the pursuit of their dreams for independence.
Our goal this year is to complete a fourth and fifth scholarship totaling an endowment of $250,000 to support and mentor women in perpetuity. Two donors have stepped forward and will match donations up to $20,000 (each have pledged $10,000) to help us reach our goal.
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.