Iowa Women's Hall of Fame - Saturday, August 23, 2008

Many outstanding women have helped to shape Iowa, and many strong female leaders continue to contribute their time, talents and skills to improve the quality of life in this state.  The Iowa Commission on the Status of Women established the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame in 1975 to recognize and honor these women of achievement and to provide visible examples for tomorrow's female leaders.

Throughout the year, the Commission solicits nominations of women, living or deceased, who have had a significant impact on our society.  From those nominations, four inductees are chosen by a five-member selection committee and approved by the Commission.  In August of each year, the inductees are honored by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor at a special ceremony hosted by the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women.

You are cordially invited to attend, free of charge, the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2008, to celebrate the induction of four outstanding women. The ceremony will take place at the Iowa State Historical Building, 600 East Locust, Des Moines.

Following the induction ceremony, a reception will be held for attendees and family and friends of the award recipients from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

At 12:30 p.m., the Friends of the ICSW Fundraising Luncheon will take place at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 101 East Locust Street, Des Moines. The featured presenter will be U. S. Ambassador Mary Kramer.  Click here to register online.

Christine Wilson Medal for Equality and Justice Recipient

Induction into the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame is one of the highest honors bestowed upon an Iowa woman by the State of Iowa. Ruth Ann Gaines, Des Moines; Dr. Ada Hayden (deceased), Ames; Emma J. Harvat (deceased), Iowa City; and Connie Horton Wimer will be honored for their significant contributions to society.

Ruth Ann Gaines is an educator and artist. Dr. Ada Hayden was the first woman to receive a Ph.D. from Iowa State University and prairie preservationist. Emma J. Harvat was the first woman in the nation to be elected mayor of a city larger that 10,000. Connie Horton Wimer is a business woman and philanthropist. (More complete biographical sketches and photographs will appear in the September/October issue of the IoWoman.)

The Cristine Wilson Medal for Equality and Justicewill also be presented during the Hall of Fame ceremony. This award is given to a distinguished Iowan who has dedicated her/his life to promoting equality and justice. Marilyn O. Murphy of Sioux City will receive this honor. Murphy has been a longtime advocate of women and social justice issues. 

Cost of the Friends’ fundraising luncheon is $30 per person and  $240 per table of 8. Click here to make online reservations or send your check for the luncheon by Friday, August 17 to:

Friends of the ICSW
Lucas State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319

For more information about all the women who have been inducated into the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame, simply click on the link below: 

http://www.state.ia.us/government/dhr/sw/hall_fame/index.html