Women with Ties to Liberal Arts Recognized at Torchbearer Awards Gala

Two women with strong ties to the IU School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI were recognized at the Indiana Commission for Women Torchbearer Awards Gala on Tuesday, March 3, 2009.

The Torchbearer Awards “honor women who have lead the way for others - and who have been real torchbearers for us all.”

Nominated by the Waldo and Grace Bonderman Symposium, Dorothy Webb, professor emeritus of communication studies, received a Torchbearer Award. Christine Dowdeswell (B.A., Political Science, 1989) was a finalist, nominated by the Association of International Women, an organization she helped found.

“A mentor to three generations of theatre artists, playwrights, dramaturges and academicians, Dr. Webb has utilized her skills as a playwright, director, host, scholar, financier and story teller to increase the level of arts in the United States, and specifically Indiana . . . Her tireless work to utilize her passion and seek opportunities and development for artists has made a lasting impact on the world of theatre,” read the recognition of Webb in the gala’s printed program.

In honoring Dowdeswell, the program read “originally from Zimbabwe, Christine has made an impact in many areas within the international community as well as Indiana as a whole. A ‘pioneer’ by nature, she also leads the way through actions promoting understanding and friendship between different cultures.”

Caterina Cregor Blitzer, a former member of the Liberal Arts Dean’s Research Advisory Council, also received a Torchbearer Award at the gala.

Four other women from the IUPUI campus, Dr. Margaret Bythe and Dr. Mary Rouse, both of the IU School of Medicine; Cora Griffin, a sophomore in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IUPUI; and Dr. Irene Queiro Tajalli of the School of Social Work, also received Torchbearer awards. For additional information, go to: http://newscenter.iupui.edu/3869/IUPUI-Women-to-Receive-Torchbearers-Awards.

For additional information about Webb and Dowdeswell, go to: http://liberalarts.iupui.edu/news/index.php/two_recognized_at_indiana_torchbearer_awards_gala .