News Release
Contact
Nicole S. Rowe
Administrative Assistant,
Public Relations
320 DuPont Highway
New Castle, DE
19720
nicole.s.rowe@wilmu.edu
Wilmington University President Emeritus To Be Honored in Hall of Fame of Delaware Women
Two Wilmington University Alumnae Also Recognized
Dr. Audrey K. Doberstein, President Emeritus of Wilmington University from 1979 to 2006, will be inducted into the 2011 Hall of Fame of Delaware Women along with several esteemed colleagues. The Inductee Awards Ceremony, held annually by the Delaware Commission for Women, will take place on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Christiana Hilton in Newark, Delaware. Dr. Doberstein will be inducted along with four other formidable women who have pioneered in fields ranging from legal advocacy, education, health care and law.
Dr. Doberstein will be inducted and honored by Governor Jack Markell on that night, along with Neda Biggs, Susan Del Pesco, and two Wilmington University alumnae: Moonyeen Klopfenstein ('86 Master of Science in Nursing) and Imogene Chandler ('83 Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education).
In a press statement Romona Fullman, Director of the Delaware Commission for Women, wrote, "Annually the Delaware Commission for Women uses Women's History Month to formally recognize and pay tribute to the varied and outstanding ways women contribute to the well-being and progress of the state and the nation." The Commission's Hall of Fame of Delaware Women is one of the state's most prestigious awards for women. Since its establishment in 1981 the Hall of Fame has inducted 117 women, each of whom has been selected "based on their reputation as a trailblazer; respect among colleagues; work significance and its lasting impact; leadership role; and community service that has impacted the lives of others locally or globally."
An innovative educator and an extraordinary leader, Dr. Audrey Doberstein was the first and only female president of a four year higher education institution in Delaware. Through her vision a small, up-and-coming college in New Castle, Delaware was transformed into a thriving university with satellite colleges throughout Delaware and a student body of over 10,000. Holding steadfast to the college's mission, Dr. Doberstein made it her personal goal to fight for more higher education opportunities for the "real" student: the one with a full-time job, a family or both. She mentored and encouraged women throughout the state to better themselves through the pursuit of a college degree. Her efforts did not go unnoticed, throughout the years Dr. Doberstein has received numerous awards and recognition in the community including most recently, the Advancement of Women Award at the YWCA's Evening of Style 2011 Gala on February 26.
Wilmington University alumna Moonyeen Klopfenstein has worked as a child birth educator for 44 years. She has initiated a number of support programs to educate pregnant women and their families including 'Loving Arms Support Group," one of the longest running programs in the country for parents grieving the loss of a child. Dr. Varsalona has congratulated Mrs. Klopfenstein for her service recently saying, "Your commitment to educating others on health issues is to be commended...congratulations again on earning one of Delaware's most prestigious awards."
Imogene Chandler, a graduate of Wilmington University's Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education, has spent over 55 years in the field and has been an avid supporter of early childhood education programs. Her service to the youth and to families in Northeast Wilmington has not gone unnoticed, and she stands as a beacon of the community. Through education, and programs that support education, Mrs. Chandler has inspired child after child to follow his or her dreams.
Tickets are $40 per person. For reservations, contact the Delaware Commission for Women at (302) 577-5287 or visit: www.commissionforwomen.delaware.gov.
