5/8/07

Paula Saine, a faculty member in the Department of Teacher Education, was awarded the 2007 Jennie Elder Suel “Distinguished Woman Of Color Award” at Miami’s annual Women of Color luncheon this spring.

Saine is the third professor from the School of Education and Allied Professions to be so honored in the past five years.  Additionally, three EAP alumni have won the award.

"EAP alumni, students and faculty are committed to making a difference in their communities.  The history of the Woman of Color Award is yet another demonstration of how effective EAP graduates and faculty have been as change agents. I'm proud of all of our award winners," said Carine Feyten, EAP dean.

This year’s award winner has dedicated her life to teaching children and preparing quality teachers of literacy education, said Jane Goettsch, director of Miami’s Women’s Center, which sponsors the award.

Saine believes in literacy without boundaries and began a Literacy Bookbag Project to The Gambia, West Africa. Each semester, students in the rural schools receive children’s books and school supplies. In addition, Saine served for many years as director for an after-school and community tutoring program.

Other faculty award winners include Iris Johnson (teacher education) in 2003 and Susan Mosley-Howard (educational leadership and dean of students) in 2005.

Alumni award winners have included Deloris Rome Hudson ’71 (education,) who was honored in 2004 for her advocacy of public education. In 2005, Ruchelle Dunwoody ’00 (sports organization) received the award for her dedication to fostering a positive environment for youth through sports and in 2006 Etta Caver ’05 (social work) was honored for starting a soup kitchen in her home and beginning the Dream Center “Feed the Hungry Project,” which has received national attention.