"If all young women in the world went about their lives determined to do the things they set out to do, I believe this would be a better world."

-President Cole

From left, Esmilda Abrue, director of the Women's Center, Carla Petievich, director of Women's Studies and President Susan A. Cole, with this year's scholarship recipients, Rosemary Brown, who received the award for Excellence in Scholarship; Ruth Alerte, who received the award for Excellence in Campus Community Service; and Lila Kramer-Burghardt, who received the Excellence in Leadership award.

Three women students were honored March 18 at the President's Reception and Achievement Award Presentation: Rosemary Brown, Ruth Alerte and Lila Kramer-Burghardt.

The presentation, sponsored by the Office of the President, and coordinated by the Women's Center and Women's Studies, is an annual event during Women's History Month. "I refer to this as the crown jewel of Women's History Month," said Esmilda Abreu, director of the Women's Center. "It is a time to honor all women at Montclair State and the contributions they have made."

The awards were presented by President Susan A. Cole. "This is a wonderful event each year," she said. "It celebrates women who do. If all young women in the world went about their lives determined to do the things they set out to do, I believe this would be a better world."

Brown's award for Excellence in Scholarship is a testament to her 4.0 grade point average. Valedictorian of the class of 2000 at Bergen Community College and recipient of a Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship to Montclair State, she has maintained a high level of academic excellence while contributing to campus life, serving as secretary and acting vice president of the Anthropology Club, a Women's Center volunteer and a peer mentor.

"Rosemary embarked on post-secondary education as a mature student, and her outstanding achievements along the way testify that women have the strength, determination and capacity to realize great goals throughout their lives," Cole said.

Alerte, who received the award for Excellence in Campus Community Service, is preparing for a career as an optometrist by participating in enrichment programs at the State University of New York's College of Optometry and in the Minority Medical Education Program at the University of Virginia's School of Medicine. A biology major on the Dean's List, she hopes to run a mobile eye clinic for those living in areas of need.

She also participated in volunteer activities, including the Organization for African Unity Gospel Ensemble and the Haitian Student Association. She serves as a resident manager in Bohn Hall, supervising six resident assistants and advising the Campus Housing Educational, Entertainment and Recreational Society (CHEERS). program. She also serves as a genetics laboratory assistant. She actively represents women's issues in her community through involvement in her church as a member of the American Baptist GIRLS National Leadership Team, and provides leadership to young women and girls in her role as Sunday School teacher and choir director.

"Ruth's commitment to campus activities and to her community, along with her academic achievements, serves as a model for women on campus and is worthy of the highest recognition," Cole said.

Kramer-Burghardt, who received the award for Excellence in Leadership, is president of the "Sisterhood," the new association of women students on campus. This organization has the mission of promoting the development and advancement of women and providing a forum to explore gender roles in the Montclair State University Community.

She has contributed to this goal by recruiting student members, working with the Student Government Association legislators to charter the group and planning a full schedule of events for the year.

A volunteer at the Women’s Center, Kramer-Burghardt has facilitated workshops and panel discussions, and served as a production assistant and volunteer coordinator for "The Vagina Monologues."

Kramer-Burghardt also has given generously of her time to the Women’s Studies Program. "In her Women's Studies seminar, she offers fellow students encouragement and is known for her astute advice, creative ideas and insightful critiques," Cole said. "Currently, under the supervision of Professor Fawzia Afzal-Khan, she is producing "I, Unseen," a play about women in Afghanistan during the Taliban regime. In the words of Professor Maya Poran, Lila is 'more than a leader, she is a powerful positive presence on Montclair’s campus.' "

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