Women's Program Newsletter

Spring 2002

Women of Distinction

In March, Kate Barry, Director of the Women’s Program, received a Women of Distinction Award from Soroptimist International of Eugene.  Kate is the second Women’s Program staff person to receive an award from a local chapter of Soroptimist.  In 1995, Cara DiMarco, lead instructor for Transitions To Success, received their Women Helping Women Award.  Soroptimist means “making a difference for women”, and both the Eugene and Springfield chapters of Soroptimist International have been long-time supporters of the Women’s Program and Transitions To Success. 

Kate received her award for work in the area of women’s economic and social development at the annual Soroptimist awards luncheon on March 14.  Kate has been director of the Women’s Program since 1984 and has overseen its development into a multi-faceted program focusing on gender equity in education and training, and offering a variety of services, programs, advocacy, information, classes, advising, counseling and referral.  She was instrumental in getting the original grant that established the Transitions to Success Program at Lane in 1986.  TTS originally offered one class during each fall, winter and spring term, graduating about 90 women a year.  Today, Transitions offers 11 classes a year, including night and summer classes, graduating approximately 300 women a year.  And demand for the program continues to grow, as word of mouth from enthusiastic graduates and referrals from collaborative community organizations keeps Transitions a highly visible and popular program for women.

A result of this popularity is that almost 3,000 women have now graduated from the TTS program, many of whom are making their own positive mark on the community.  In fact, in addition to Kate Barry, two other women connected to the TTS program in different ways were recognized at the same Soroptimist award luncheon in March.  Tina Morgan also received a Women of Distinction award that day.  Tina works with the District Attorney’s office at the Child Advocacy Center, helping children impacted by domestic violence.  Tina also participated in one of the first NOVA (National Organization for Victims Assistance) volunteer groups to go to New York City to provide crisis counseling for survivors of the World Trade Center disaster.  Tina’s award from the Soroptimists was for her work in the area of human rights / status of women.  Coincidentally, Tina was in the first Transitions To Success class in Winter 1987.  In fact, she was the very first applicant interviewed for the program!  Today, Tina credits the TTS program with helping her remake her life.  According to Tina, “Anyone can pick themselves up by their boot straps as long as they have boots. Transitions provided me with the boots! When I couldn't believe in myself, Transitions believed in me,  providing me with the support and encouragement to continue.”  After her term in TTS, Tina  received a Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity Scholarship to help with her education.   And at March’s award ceremony, Jody Brazeau, TTS graduate from summer 2001, received this year’s Women’s Opportunity Scholarship. 

Such community recognition illustrates that Transitions To Success is much more than simply a “career goal” program; it’s a program that encourages leadership and empowerment for women.  Just as the Transitions Program works to “make a difference for women”, its graduates go out and make a difference in their communities.  Congratulations to them all!!

Mark Your Calendars

Brown Bag Talks:

Breast Health is more than mammograms

Wednesday, April 17th, Noon—1:00 p.m., The Women’s  Center

Jo Carlson will be discussing an new angle on maintaining breast health. 

Another Look at Depression with Deb Catlin

Tuesday, May 14, Noon—1:00 p.m., The Women’s Center

Understanding depression in women's lives means understanding our brain and its role in our mental and emotional well-being.  We will explore how hormonal changes, stress overload, and transitional life events impact brain chemistry functioning.  There will be a brief discussion of  holistic approaches to recovery.

Women Starting College Workshops

Friday, April 19, 10:00 —11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, May 8, 6:00—7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 17, 10:00 — noon

These free workshops are for women who are anxious or unsure about starting school, and balancing school, family and work. Learn about support, resources and programs.  For information or to preregister, call the Women’s Center, 463-5353.

Transitions to Success Graduation

June 13, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Cafeteria, Main Campus

The Transitions To Success program will hold its graduation ceremony for all three spring term classes on June 13. This is a fun and inspirational event that offers friends and family an opportunity to join the TTS students in celebrating their accomplishments and goals.  Everyone is welcome. 

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