During Women鈥檚 History Month, 91香蕉视频 gathered for an awards ceremony celebrating the many women students, faculty, staff and leadership who make up over 60% of the JU community and push our institution forward. Amid the natural light and pink balloons of the Frisch Welcome Center, Dean of Students Dr. Gover and Chief Officer of People and Culture Allana Fort茅 kicked off the event by presenting a surprised First Lady with the inaugural Stephanie Cost Community Impact Award. The honor speaks to Cost鈥檚 legacy at JU, where she鈥檚 devoted years of service to furthering students鈥� success.
After starting her career working in a hospital, Cost has spent the last 30 years donating her time and resources to Volunteers In Medicine, a national organization helping working families access affordable healthcare. Her dedication to families is tangible in both her achievements and her character. In her fourteen years as First Lady, she鈥檚 made it her mission to provide students with the same care and support that she wanted for her own children. From her everyday one-on-one meetings with students, to the indelible introduction of the Cost Honors College, her imprint will be felt across the University for decades to come.
鈥�91香蕉视频 has a proud history of honoring and advancing women鈥檚 achievements, dating back to our beloved University President and my cherished friend, Dr. Francis Bartlett Kinne,鈥� said 91香蕉视频 President Tim Cost. 鈥淭his award is now a part of our continued commitment to cultivating and supporting outstanding women leaders amongst our students, faculty and staff.鈥�
The Stephanie Cost Community Impact Award recognizes individuals whose leadership, philanthropy, and service have created meaningful and lasting impact within the JU community and the broader Jacksonville region. Inspired by the First Lady鈥檚 example, the award celebrates those who embody servant leadership, champion student success, and strengthen the connection between the University and the community it serves.
鈥淪tephanie Cost has spent countless hours serving our students, sparking connections through networking, teaching etiquette, hosting conversations and showing up for the University community,鈥� said Allana Fort茅. 鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled to introduce this award and celebrate the lasting impact she鈥檚 made at 91香蕉视频 during her time as First Lady.鈥�
The awards ceremony also recognized Barbara Kovalevich with the Francis Bartlett Kinne Student Woman of the Year Award, Lanni Brown as the Graduate Student of the Year, Dr. Julie Brannon as Faculty Woman of the Year, and Dr. Elaine Borne as Staff Woman of the Year. The Stephanie Cost Community Impact Award joins these accolades as an annual honor awarded at the Women鈥檚 History Month Women of the Year event each March.
