Ivy Young Willis award recipient to be 'Happy'

Bernadette Smith staff writer

Happy Fernandez will receive the Ivy Young Willis award for being an outstanding woman in the Philadelphia area. Cabrini officials will present the award to Fernandez on March 30 at 7:30 p.m.

The Ivy Young Willis award is presented annually to a local, national or international woman who has made a substantial contribution to her community. For almost a decade, Cabrini has been selecting the most outstanding women to receive this award. This year's candidate, Happy Fernandez, possesses many outstanding qualities with her involvement in politics, public education and several organizations working with children.

Fernandez, who taught for 18 years at Temple University, is currently the presi- dent of Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia. She holds a bachelor's degree in biblical history and literature from Wellesley College, a master's degree from both Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania, and a doctorate of education from Temple University. She served two consecutive terms on the Philadelphia city council and ran in the Democratic Party for mayor of Philadelphia last November.

Past award recipients include Violetta Chamorro, president of Nicaragua, Mary Frances Berry, chairwoman of the National Civil Rights Commission, Chi Ling, Nobel prize nominee for the Tianamen Square, B untzie Ellis Churchill, president of the Philadelphia World Affairs council and last year's recipient, Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins, national president of the League of Women Voters.

The committee who chooses each year's award recipient is made up of both faculty and students who select a woman from a political or educational back- a member of the selection committee. Besides her political contribution -to the Philadelphia area, Fernandez is actively involved in public schools and dedicates much of her time to organizations supporting public school education for children. Her major interest is education and she understands the importance of education among children.

-Dr. Jo/yon Girard history professor ground who will best represent the award status. A large list of candidates is narrowed down to find the one woman who most deserves the award. "This year's recipient, Happy Fernandez, was at the top of the list," explained Dr. Jolyon Girard,

After receiving her award, Fernandez will give a speech on visual arts and their influence on education.

This event is free of charge and open to both the Cabrini campus community and the general public. All are invited to join Cabrini in honoring Happy Fernandez with the Ivy Young Willis award.