Elsie Barnes to Receive YWCA of South Hampton Roads

Women of Distinction Award for Volunteerism

 

Norfolk, Va.—Elsie M. Barnes, vice president for academic affairs at Norfolk State University, has been selected as one of the recipients of the 2007 YWCA of South Hampton Roads Women of Distinction Award. The 19th annual awards presentation will take place during a luncheon on Thursday, May 3 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott.

The YWCA Women of Distinction Award recognizes exceptional women in South Hampton Roads who have made important contributions to the community through professional activities, volunteer efforts and demonstrated leadership. The Women of Distinction Award honors women in 12 categories including the arts, banking and finance, business, communications and media, education, government, law, medicine, military, religion, science and technology and volunteerism. Barnes was cited in the volunteerism category for her contributions to the community. 

As a longtime professor and academic administrator, Barnes, a resident of Virginia Beach, has distinguished herself as a scholar and educator who invests countless hours in service to the community and family, specifically to educating and motivating young women.  She creates opportunities for professional women in higher education by developing and supporting ongoing leadership institutes and seminars at Norfolk State University.  She has also taught and mentored young women of all races, ethnic groups, and social stations in life, while fostering the development of their careers as scholars, educators, and professionals. 

The YWCA of South Hampton Roads has served the community since 1911 and works toward the elimination of racism and for social justice. Each year YWCA programs assist thousands of women and their families in crises helping them to improve their lives. The YWCA also offers supervised internships to ten college students who are pursuing studies in art therapy, psychology, social work and nursing degree programs.

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