COD honors YWCA founder

Jane Heckman, whose many accomplishments include founding the DuPage YWCA, has been named College of DuPage's 2008 Woman of Distinction.

Heckman received her award during a presentation at the college in Glen Ellyn on March 13. Heckman also was a founding supporter of DuPage's Take Back the Night annual march and rally that raises awareness about the reality of violence against women and children and encourages victim empowerment.

Heckman also collaborated on a peace conference that was held at COD for five years.

Since 1983, COD has presented the Woman of Distinction award annual in memory of Adade Wheeler, a history faculty member for 11 years who initiated women's studies courses, founded the C.O.D. Women's Resource Center and authored two books about women in Illinois history.

The award goes to a woman who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishment in personal and/or professional advancement of women.