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2015 Comments

Women’s History Month Comments of Appreciation


Burlene Forquer

There are times in life we must stop and celebrate someone – for who they are, what they do, and for all of the hopes they hold in their heart. I am grateful I have gotten to know Burlene and to be reminded that the people who really make a difference are not always those with all the credentials and titles, but rather, the ones with the concerns, ideas, and passion. Thank you for caring for others, being willing to try, and your desire to learn! Looking forward to seeing how you put that magic wand to use!

K.J.M.


Lisa Gibson

Thank you for all your support and believing in me. I love you and I’ll see you in Florida soon.

D.G.


Elizabeth Dooley

For the past 20 years, Dr. Dooley has provided an amazing amount of support, encouragement, knowledge and challenge to my life. Her ability to motivate individuals is like none that I have ever witnessed. When she walks into a room, people light up! Her calm nature is what is most special to me as I tend to be the opposite (haha). She has the ability to make any situation manageable, no matter if it is personal or professional. For that, I am most grateful to her and believe that is why she is a PHENOMENAL WOMAN!

T.B.


Aryel Parsons

Aryel, you have always been there for me as a mom and a friend. You’ve been through so much throughout all of your life and the past year alone and I’ve never encountered anyone as tough as you. We are so proud of how strong you’ve been through everything and of how much progress you’ve made with your art (I show it off all the time!) You’re an excellent mother and wife and we are all so lucky to have you around! Happy Women’s Recognition and Appreciation Month! We love you!

J.C.


Leona Marsh

Thank you, mom for being a huge part of the woman that I am today. I’m so glad God chose her 49 years ago to be my mom. I am who I am today because of her faith, trust and guidance throughout my life. Love you mom, more than you will ever know and more than I can ever say.

R.M.


Judith Gold Stitzel

I am delighted to write appreciation for Dr. Judith Gold Stitzel, because she was the founding director of the WVU’s Center for Women and Gender Studies! Judith and her late husband, Bob, started their teaching careers at WVU in 1965, when women could not even be in the band! Because Judith was a leader on the cutting edge of Title IX and gender equality, all students of WVU are standing on her shoulders.

J.S.W.


Linda Patrick

I am not very good with words, but during this “Women’s History Month,” I would like to take this opportunity to honor my dear friend and sister in Christ, Dr. Linda Patrick. She is very hard-working, humble and kind. She is a woman after God’s heart, who is always helping other people, mentoring younger women and helping children and anyone in need. Sometimes, she stretches herself to help others within the community without complaining. She is always ready to listen, pray, give positive and honest advice in kindness and love. She has been a big sister to me and an auntie to my daughter here, as all our relatives are far away. Linda, thank you for your friendship and for caring for other women.

S.DSB.


Mae Spencer Smith Swiger

My grandfather would not allow Mother to go to school beyond the 8th grade. When she told him “Dad, Judy’s going to college!” he replied, “She doesn’t need to go to college. She’ll just get married anyhow.”

When I left home to attend WVU, my mother began cleaning other women’s houses— 5 days a week. Then after my only sister moved to California, I grieved and was very depressed and had a terrible GPA that semester. Mother understood, encouraged me, and continued cleaning houses.

J.S.W.


Andrea Sizemore

Andrea!! I would honor you everyday if I could. You’re so lively, strong, determined, and committed for those around you. You’re an example woman and should be proud of all you have accomplished. I am so glad you came into my life :) Keep up the good work!! Others really are watching and taking notes. Love you!!!

C.L.


Stephanie Webb

Your talent and hard work often goes unnoticed by several but you should know I appreciate all that you do. You are a strong woman who knows what she wants and deserves. You certainly deserve honor and recognition for the person that you are. Thanks for being my best friend; I am truly lucky to have a woman like you in my life! I can’t wait to see what future adventures are coming our way.

C.L.


Jennifer Lester

Mom! You’re the strongest person I know :) I definitely wouldn’t be the person I am today without you. You are an amazing woman that deserves to be honored regularly for all of the people you impact. Thank you for everything you have done for me.

C.L.


Gail Johnson

Gail is my shining star and my rock! Her strength and courage is unrivaled and she is an inspiration to me each and every day. I’m so lucky to call her my mother and my friend. Without her guidance and encouragement, I would not be the woman that I am today.

D.D.


Judith Wilkinson

Judith is an amazing woman and one of my favorite people to spend time with. She is always positive, yet realistic and has shown me tremendous support in the short time that I have had the pleasure of knowing her. I cannot think of anyone I aspire to be more like than Judith. She is a strong woman, a spiritual human, a mother, a wonderful wife, a philanthropist, a scholar, a world traveler and a compassionate friend to those in need. Thank you for always speaking up for yourself and for all women! WVU wouldn’t be the same without you, and for that, I honor you.

E.B.


Diann Nickerson

My mom, Diann Nickerson, deserves much recognition and gratitude for all that she does both at work and at home. Over the past few months she has spent countless extra hours in the office making sure her department continues to operate smoothly through difficult times. She also wakes up 2 hours earlier than she has to in order to spend time with my younger siblings before they go to high school- and she does this every day! Thanks for being awesome mom, keep on rockin’!

D.N.


Amy Burt

When it comes to our professor Amy Burt, it’s hard to know where to begin. She is simply one of the most hard working, kindest, most brilliant professors there is out there. She has touched the lives of so many students, and children through her work of being an occupational therapist. She has such a caring heart, and the type of person that makes you want to strive to be better. Amy deserves to be honored this month, not only is she a professor, she is like a second mother, a mentor, and friend. Thank you for all that you do!

Anonymous


Yvonne Nieman

You deserve to be honored for your selflessness. You are always giving to someone – friends, family, patients, complete strangers through volunteer work – it doesn’t matter. Thank you for encouraging me to be smart, strong and fearless. Without you as my example, I wouldn’t have the fiery personality that makes up so much of who I am. I love you!

R.N.


Chelsi Baker

Chelsi is a ray of light in my world. She inspires me with her determination, work ethic, and ability to remain calm in dire situations. She is wildly talented (she is an award-winning journalist), intelligent, fearless, and witty beyond measure. She deserves to be honored today and every day!

R.N.


Amanda Acord-Vira

Amanda is such a committed and helpful occupational therapy teacher. I highly respect her authority and her drive to help us become professional occupational therapists. Even though she is my professor, I think of her as a friend, someone I can depend on if anything goes wrong.

Anonymous


Samantha Godbey 


Samantha lost her mentor, Dr. Neil Berch, a few weeks ago. However, she has stepped in and wonderfully kept the debate team going during this time. She should be honored because of her spirit to just keep swimming.

Anonymous


Melissa Latimer


Melissa helped me through one of the toughest times in my professional life. I am so thankful for her as a person, as well as her leadership in the ADVANCE center. She is truly an asset to the WVU campus!

Anonymous


Mary L Summerson

Thanks are not strong enough to express the depth of feeling and appreciation I have for you. You are not only an incredibly funny and intelligent woman, you have served as a great role-model. Your ability to adapt and thrive, while born out of necessity, is your greatest strength and I’m proud OF you, to be FROM you and to know and love you.

L.C.


Betty Mei

This woman is beyond exceptional; she is extraordinary. She has dramatically changed the type of woman I am today by serving as a role model in my life through the McNair Scholars Program. Her dedication to make me a better scholar is something I will forever be indebted to her for.

C.F.


Lisa DeFrank-Cole

Lisa is such an amazing, inspirational woman! I love working for her because she is more than my boss; she’s a role model.

C.F.