SDSU recognizes campus ‘Women of Distinction’

Four South Dakota State University women were named “Women of Distinction” during a March Women’s History Month ceremony on March 30. The ninth annual Women of Distinction event honored women across campus known for their leadership, example and dedication.

The winners, by category, were: Administration – Kathleen Donovan; Career Service – Cheryl Beste; Faculty – Sharon Clay; and Student – Claire Garry Peschong.

The 2010 SDSU Women of Distinction and categories for their recognition are, from left: Claire Garry Peschong, Student; Sharon Clay, Faculty; Cheryl Beste, Career Service; and Kathleen Donvan, Administration.

Kathleen Donovan, assistant to the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for Special Projects and head of the English Department, was recognized in the Administration category for being an engaged, innovative and committed professor, scholar and administrator.

Beste was named Career Service Woman of Distinction after 38 years as department secretary for the Department of Animal and Range Sciences. Her work has been done in a fairly male-dominated department in which Beste works hard to make sure women students, faculty and career service employees have every opportunity to succeed. Faculty and department administration call her the “point person” for a variety of issues coming through the office.

As the Faculty Woman of Distinction, Clay was credited with bringing in millions of dollars in competitive research funding for the Department of Plant Science, as well as garnering prominent notice of SDSU scholarship. Her department head called her an important role model for promoting opportunities for women in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Garry Peschong, a civil engineering major from Pierre, received recognition as the Student Woman of Distinction for her school, work, military service and personal life. Her adviser and professor of civil and environmental engineering said as a non-traditional student and single mother, Garry Peschong works diligently to balance those demands while making sure opportunities are available to other women and underrepresented students in the College of Engineering.