Contact Us:

Commission
Board

Carol Walker
Executive Director

Emma E. Houston
Chair

Dr. Kay T. Swan
Chair-Elect

JoAnn Neilson
Secretary/Historian

Dr. Helen V. Graber
Treasurer

Commission
Members

Ruth Jackson

Emma Kuykendall

Bruce G. Parry

Barbara Smith

2003 Women Awards Description

Brief Description of 2003 Award Winners (in alphabetical order):

DeVonne Marie Allred: DeVonne Marie Allred is an outstanding example of strength found in overcoming adversity. The oldest of five children, DeVonne helped her siblings survive a childhood of abuse and poverty. Her efforts to improve the lives of those around her have continued through the medical community. After putting herself through X-ray school, DeVonne gave 15 years of service on the Salem, UT ambulance team. She has also offered great service as a trainer for ambulance response and X-ray students, and has designed an emergency medical kit for widespread distribution. Despite health challenges, DeVonne continues to serve today and, with her husband, is in the process of adding a 3-year-old child to her family.

Marilyn Arnold: Dr. Marilyn Arnold is a woman of great personal and professional accomplishment. A Utah native, she has had a distinguished career as a professor of English at Weber State College and Brigham Young University. She has served as Dean of Graduate Studies at BYU, and throughout her professional career was respected and loved by her students and colleagues. Marilyn is also the author of numerous scholarly and fictional works, and is a member of several organizations and boards. As an Emeritus Professor, she continues to share her talents through community service in education and literature.

Gretta S. Baur: Gretta Baur has contributed to Utah's community of women for nearly half a century. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelors of Science, she spent 45 years working as a research physicist for the U.S. Bureau of Mines. Alongside her professional career, Gretta has served in various positions in the Business and Professional Women of Utah, including Chapter and State President, and was honored the Woman of Achievement Award both locally and nationally. She has also served as President of the Utah Women's Lobby, and has served on the Governor's Advisory Council for Science and Technology. These are just a few of the many organizations that have benefited from Gretta Baur's participation.

Jennie Christensen: Jennie Christensen has contributed to Utah through her talents in reporting. Born in Cache Valley, she began her career in journalism in 1960 at The Herald Journal. Heralded as a reliable source of news, Jennie's reporting has been key in keeping Cache Valley citizens informed. In 1998, she was presented with the State of Utah School Board Association's "Media Award" and maintains an impressive schedule of news gathering and reporting. Jennie has used her professional voice to provide a forum for women in Utah's professional and political community.

Elaine E. Englehardt: Dr. Elaine E. Englehardt, Professor of Philosophy at Utah Valley State College, has contributed to Utah through her commitment to education. After receiving her BA and MA from Brigham Young University, she earned her Ph.D. at the University of Utah. For the past 26 years she has taught at UVSC, promoting the study of ethics through programs she has founded and books she has authored. Dr. Englehardt founded and directed the Center for the Study of Ethics in 1993 and the Integrated Studies Program in 1997. She has published many books and articles, and has directed seven national grants. She is the recipient of several awards, most notably the Utah Professor of the Year by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education in Washington, D.C. In addition to these efforts, Dr. Englehardt has participated for several years in volunteer service with the Utah Humanities Council and the Utah County Planning and Zoning Commission.

Paula Green Johnson: Paula Green Johnson has contributed to both the citizens of Utah and to people in need world-wide. She currently holds several leadership positions, including President of the Women's State Legislative Council of Utah, President of the YWCA of Salt Lake City, and a member of the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross Salt Lake Chapter. Paula has participated in numerous other organizations and committees, offering years of experience and valuable leadership skills. She recently traveled to Ghana, Africa with the American Red Cross to assist with measles immunization efforts. Paula's countless hours of volunteer service in a wide range of organizations have greatly benefited Utahns.

Virginia Marrufo Martinez: Virginia Marrufo Martinez has spent the past 10 years working for the less fortunate residents of Utah. Originally a volunteer, Virginia now dedicates herself full-time as the Community Organizer for the Salt Lake Area Community Action Program. With a dedication that often includes long hours and innovative solutions, Virginia improves the lives of Utahns, one at a time. She assists families forced to vacate trailer parks in finding homes by empowering them to take action. The Hispanic community has particularly been touched by the efforts of Virginia M. Martinez.

Alicia Suazo: Alicia Suazo is an example of courage and strength in the face of hardship. Raised in Tooele, Utah, Alicia received her Bachelors Degree from the University of Utah. As the wife of the first Hispanic Utah State Senator, she taught in the ethnically and culturally diverse Salt Lake School District. Tragically, her husband was killed during a hunting trip, and with great courage Alicia finished her husband's senate term. Her dedication to education continued when she returned to Park View Elementary School, where she continues to teach and serve as a role model for Utah's children.

Susan Sunada: Susan Sunada has made great contributions to the diversity and culture of Utah. The daughter of Japanese pioneers, she has represented Japanese and Chinese pioneers in the "Festival of the American West" for several years. A graduate of Los Angeles City College, Susan worked as a photojournalist for the Deseret News in the 1960's and 70s and was presented their "Outstanding Correspondent" award. She has employed her talents in the benefit of others, writing, producing, and directing an ice show for Logan's Bi-Centennial Celebration. In 2002, Susan was awarded the National Association for Asian American Studies Lifetime Achievement award. She continues to offer a wealth of information from her significant research on Japanese pioneers.

Maria Anderson Waddoups: Maria Anderson Waddoups has lived an exemplary life of service. Born to Scandinavian immigrants in Idaho, she moved to Utah after her marriage to George Waddoups. Because Maria and her husband were unable to have children, they brought foster children into their home. To these thirteen children and many others in her community, Maria offered love and shelter. A talented quilter, Maria once donated a quilt worth $1000 to a charitable cause. This 89-year-old model of charity continues to bring joy to the friends and neighbors her life blesses.

Awards for 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | Awards Description for 2004 | 2003 | 2002