College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University

Celebration

Even the threat of rain couldn't forestall the Celebration of Heroines

Inclement weather plagued the Celebration of Heroines 2000 event on Thursday, Oct. 6. Rain swept through the Ames area that day, combining with dropping temperatures to force the ceremony to be moved from the Plaza of Heroines to the second floor balcony of Catt Hall.

But just as the ceremony reached its pivotal moment, the skies cleared and the approximate 100 individuals in attendance cheered the arrival of the sun.

The audience also cheered the arrival of ABC News senior correspondent Carole Simpson, Iowa State's 2000 Mary Louise Smith Chair in Women and Politics. Simpson and Diane Bystrom, director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics, unveiled a new section of bricks in the Plaza of Heroines which honor Simpson and previous Smith Chairs. Past Smith Chairs include former Sen. Nancy Landon Kassebaum Baker, Elizabeth Dole, former director of the American Red Cross and U.S. Cabinet member, and Ruth Mandel, director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University.

"I am thrilled to see my name beside that of Nancy Kassebaum, Elizabeth Dole, Ruth Mandel and Mary Louise Smith," Simpson said. "I know all of them, and I am very pleased to be in their company."

The Celebration of Heroines 2000 was organized to coincide with Simpson's visit, Iowa State's year-long celebration, "Strengthening Families to Become the Best," and the fifth anniversary of the dedication of the Plaza and Catt Hall.

Sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Catt Center, the event also recognized the thousands of women who have made an impact on their families, communities and society as mothers, teachers, wives, scientists, friends, activities and role models. More than 3,000 of these women are recognized with bricks in the Plaza of Heroines, located adjacent to Catt Hall.

Diane Greenlee, class of 1966, gave the Celebration Address. Greenlee spoke of past heroines in her life including her mother and her kindergarten and high school English teachers.

"Each of us is both an example of those who have proceeded us - as role models, cheerleaders, friends and mentors," Greenlee said. "Honoring women and the family is the essence of Iowa State and the land-grant tradition. "

Jane Cox, professor of theatre, read from the narratives of seven women honored by family and friends in the Plaza. The narratives ranged from mothers to a friend who died in a traffic accident to an Iowa State professor to a Mason City librarian.

"These are beautiful thoughts written by people who deeply loved these individual women," Cox said.

Peter Rabideau, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, also participated in the ceremony.