2008 Women Making a Difference Luncheon Inspires Attendees
Notre Dame Academy women continue to make a difference to their families, their communities, and the world in which they live. This fact was clearly brought to light once again as Carol Schmidt Mullen ’53, Janet Annear Chambers ’77, and Michelle Dixon Eckerle ’94 were recently honored at the seventh annual Women Making a Difference luncheon. Approximately four hundred alumnae, community and business leaders, and friends gathered on February 28 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center to pay tribute to these Notre Dame Academy graduates for their significant contributions and achievements.
Major Amy McGrath, class of 1993 and one of last year’s honorees, served as the honorary chairperson for the event. Amy reflected as to how her own Notre Dame education impacted her life, and thanked the Sisters of Notre Dame for their tireless dedication and commitment. Also during the luncheon, video testimonials by family members and friends were presented in recognition of each honoree. Heartfelt congratulations to all of the honorees for this well-deserved honor.
Nominations for the 2009 Women Making A Difference award are now being accepted. For further information regarding the Women Making A Difference program, please contact Nancy Goeke, Development Director at 859.292.7729 or goeken@ndapandas.org.
Photos from the 2007 and 2008 Luncheons
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Carol Schmidt Mullen has made a difference in the many lives of her family, friends, Church, and community. Widowed at a very early age and left with three small children, Carol eventually remarried and successfully blended a “yours, mine, and ours” family with her husband, Dave, and eight children. Carol has been a driving force and strong example of dedication to service to her family and community. She served as the first female member of the Northern Kentucky Cincinnati Airport Board, served on the Kenton County Foster Care Review Board, and coordinated the St. Agnes R.C.I.A. program. She is guided by the core belief that there is no goal beyond reach, no cause that could not be served, and no person who cannot be touched. With a humble spirit and generosity of heart, she continues to make a difference.
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Janet Annear Chambers inspires everyone with whom she comes in contact. Janet was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999, and continued to battle her disease while working full-time to support her family. In 2002 she saw a need in the community, and being led by God, started the “I Have Wings” Breast Cancer Foundation. The foundation makes a difference in women’s lives by raising their quality of life during their cancer diagnosis. Janet personally calls women that are diagnosed with breast cancer, lends emotional support, and helps relieve burdens of families by providing daily necessities such as groceries, clothes, etc. Janet was chosen by Lifetime for Women as a Breast Cancer Hero, received the Marvin Lewis Survivor of the Year in 2006 and the Power of the Pink Award in 2007. She has truly made a difference by providing strength, compassion, and love to those who need it.
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Michelle Dixon Eckerle believes that it is important to reach out to those in need. Michelle persevered through undergraduate and medical school, and with the help and undying support from her husband and family, graduated with honors. As a pediatric physician at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, she performed and demanded the highest ethical and moral standards from herself and the ones around her. However, Michelle knew she was called to reach out to children in other parts of the world who have not been afforded the opportunities many Americans take for granted. She was accepted as a Pediatric AIDS Corp physician in Botswana, Africa. Along with her husband and five young children, including twins under the age of one, she is now serving for one year in Africa. She is a living testament to her commitment to making a difference to all whom she encounters. |
Special thanks to the following 2008 Platinum Sponsors for the Women Making A Difference luncheon:
Bank of Kentucky
Boone Ready Mix
Senator Jim Bunning Family Foundation
Carlisle Enterprises
Corporex
Deters, Benzinger, and Lavelle, P.S.C.
Dry Ridge Toyota
Fischer Homes
Thomas F. Goeke D.M.D.
Paul Hemmer Companies
Kenton County Airport Board
Newforms
Northern KY Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Associates P.S.C.
Sisters of Notre Dame
Tapke Asset Management
The Dempsey Smith Group
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
Wulco, Inc.