Three YWCA ‘Women of Distinction’ Have UW-Madison Ties

Three of this year’s YWCA Women of Distinction award winners have ties to UW–Madison. Chosen for sustained excellence in their community service and/or professions, serving as role models for other women and contributing to the quality of life in the community, the winners will be honored at a benefit luncheon May 22.

Winner Joan Gillman directs the Family Business Center and the Agribusiness Executive Management Program in the School of Business. She has developed such programs as the Perspectives for Success breakfast series and the Women’s Breakfast Series.

Mercile Lee, assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs, originated the Chancellor’s Scholarship Program for academically talented undergraduates who are members of ethnic minorities. Five years ago she established University Pals, which organizes campus events for young people on Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Dane County waiting lists.

Judith Ward, executive associate director of the Waisman Center, directs administrative and outreach support for the center’s many research, training and service programs that benefit people with disabilities and their families. Through her membership on the boards of several nonprofit and business organizations, she has worked to strengthen collaboration between the university and the community.