SBU News

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y., — Two School of Education faculty members at St. Bonaventure University were recognized by the Olean Area Zonta Club Friday on the observance of International Women’s Day.

In a surprise presentation outside their offices in Plassmann Hall, Dr. René Garrison and Elizabeth Cashing were applauded by colleagues and friends as they were cited as role models for the advancement of women.

Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. Zonta’s annual Yellow Rose Day coincides with International Women’s Day, celebrated March 8 each year, and is marked by recognizing women in Zonta chapters around the world.

Gretchen Copella, Zonta Club president, presented Cashing with the Yellow Rose Award for her involvement with students, in the community, and for her role in influencing other women.

Garrison, the first member of her family to graduate from high school, was given a special award for overcoming challenges in order to achieve academic success and for playing an instrumental role in women’s lives.

Each was nominated for recognition by Ann Marie Sitter-Tompkins, a lecturer in the School of Education. “I don’t know of two more deserving people,” said Sitter-Tompkins.

Cashing and Garrison will be honored by the Olean Area Zonta Club at a dinner at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at Christ United Methodist Church in Olean.
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About the University: Inspired for more than 150 years by the Catholic Franciscan values of individual dignity, community inclusiveness, and service, St. Bonaventure University cultivates graduates who are confident and creative communicators, collaborative leaders and team members, and innovative problem solvers who are respectful of themselves, others, and the diverse world around them.