Elgin YWCA honors women for leadership efforts
Elgin Community College trustee Donna Redmer and administrator Amybeth Maurer were honored by the Elgin YWCA during the organization's 26th annual Leader Luncheon May 14. The event recognizes women who have demonstrated leadership and serve as role models for other women.
Redmer, of West Dundee, received the Harriet Gifford and Hattie Griffin Award for Education for educational success in improving schools in the Elgin area and beyond.
Her leadership at Kenneth E. Neubert Elementary School in Algonquin led to the school being nationally recognized as a "Blue Ribbon School" in 1986.
Following 12 years as principal, Redmer served as director of curriculum and instruction for Community Unit District 300 schools. Retiring in 2001, she began work as an education coach for the Kane County Regional Office of Education, where she was recognized by No Child Left Behind for her work in assisting failing schools.
"Her mark on education has touched countless numbers of students and professionals over her 28-year career," said Mary C. Fioretti, a former District 300 board president who nominated Redmer.
In addition to the YWCA Leadership Award, Redmer has been recognized as an ECC "Fabulous 50," received the District 300 Foundation Distinguished Alumni Award in 2008, the Kane County Leadership Award in 1991, and was nationally recognized for excellence as a principal in 1986.
Maurer, director of orientation and student life at ECC, received the Marie Grolich Award for Social Services for creating and establishing nationally recognized and multiple award-winning programming, leadership and development models that appeal and engage students of all ages, races and academic standing.
Nominated by ECC Trustee Clare Ollayos and ECC, the organization acknowledged Maurer's work in organizing the college's first alternative spring break to New Orleans in 2006 to help Hurricane Katrina victims, and her work in organizing the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life - which won a 2003 National Impact Award and a 2004 Regional Top Growth Award.
Maurer also works to improve student retention and completion and maintains active alumni involvement.
Maurer has served in several professional organizations, including president of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges and the Association of Campus Activities Administrators. She has won awards for Most Distinguished Advisor from Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society in 2007 and 2009, and the Athena Award from the Northwest Suburban Panhellenic Association in 2005 and 2006.
"I have been in higher education for more than 30 years and have worked in public and private two- and four-year colleges and universities in four states and I have never seen a more vibrant, diverse and service-oriented Student Life Department," said Carol Cowles, dean of students. "She is truly an inspiring leader."