Three USI employees were among those honored at the seventh annual Phenomenal Women of USI and the Community Recognition Ceremony, sponsored by the USI Multicultural Center, Old National Bank, and the American Association of University Women. The program, emceed by
Annie Krug, vice president for Advancement, was held March 20.
Held during Women’s History Month, the program honors and celebrates women from all walks of life who have made contributions to diversity in the University and greater Evansville communities. Through annual recognition of their contributions, the program aims to inspire others to embrace and promote diversity within their own lives.
Phenomenal USI Faculty
Nancy Bizal, instructor in administrative systems, joined USI in 1988. She also serves as coordinator of external relations for the College of Business. Bizal holds a master’s degree in business education from Indiana University and a bachelor’s degree in social science from DePauw University. She specialized in business communication, career planning, and professional development. Krug said Bizal “serves her students well, taking their lessons far beyond the textbook and the walls of her classroom. Nancy, you have built strong and lasting links between your students, your colleagues, the College of Business and business leadership throughout the state. You have set a standard that your students continue to reach for, long after they leave your classroom.”
Phenomenal USI Support Staff
Samoa Hempfling, fee waiver clerk in Student Financial Assistance, joined the University in 2006 after fleeing Hurricane Katrina with her husband and young son. She was formerly a fourth-generation employee of the University of New Orleans. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree at USI. “Samoa is often found having a conversation with a co-worker on campus about the difference education can make in their lives, and her assurance that she will personally carry the paperwork and fee waiver forms thru the financial aid office to get the ball rolling,” Krug said. Beyond work and her studies, Hempfling founded a Hurricane Katrina support group for victims and families and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity.
Phenomenal USI Administrative Staff
Pam Doerter, career coordinator in Career Services and Placement, joined the University in 1997. She earned a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree from USI in December 2007. Krug said, “Pam is the one we call for just about everything. She knows how to get things done, and not only in her department. And when she isn’t enhancing and embracing the opportunities and challenges on and off campus, she is cooking up something like USIdol, the annual talent competition that has become a favorite event at Springfest since its inception in 2004. Pam is dedicated to her students, fosters their success, and happily walks with graduates as a dedicated volunteer at Commencement.
In addition, two USI students were honored at the ceremony:
Jennifer Graham, a senior biology major with a pre-med concentration, and
Janet Bett, senior social work major. Graham was nominated for her work as a dedicated volunteer for the Ozanam Family Shelter for the past six years. Bett is an unpaid intern with the AIDS Resource Group of Evansville. A native Kenyan, her country has been one of the hardest hit in Africa.
Luzada Hayes, Mary Miller, and
Dr. Victoria Pohl, professor emeritus of mathematics, were honored as Phenomenal Women of the Community. Hayes was acknowledged for her commitment to end homelessness as resource coordinator for the Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness in Evansville. Miller, planning engineer at Whirlpool Corporation, was honored for her professional achievements and community service, having served as team captain for the Komen Race for the Cure and donating many hours of service to her alma mater, University of Evansville. Pohl retired after 25 years with USI and went on to manage St. Vincent de Paul’s food pantry and office of emergency assistance. She was honored for her work on behalf of the poor and assistance in bringing St. Vincent’s client database into the 21st Century.
