WMU News

Former trustee Gayl Werme named 'Woman of the Year'

Feb. 21, 2000

KALAMAZOO -- On the heels of being named one of the area's most notable figures in K-12 education for the last century, Gayl Werme, a former WMU trustee, will be honored by a local women's group next month.

A long-time community volunteer, Werme has been named Woman of the Year by the Kalamazoo Area Women's Festival. Award criteria include excellence in career accomplishments, civic and volunteer service, honors and awards and formal and continuing education. The award will be presented at the Festival on Saturday, March 18.

"Gayl is a compassionate champion for improving health and quality of life within the community she serves," said Susan Ulshafer, vice president at Bronson Healthcare Group, in her letter nominating Werme for the award. "As a steward of our community, she has been a leader, a teacher and a mentor to many. Her warmth and willingness to share knowledge and expertise exemplifies the characteristics one would want to find in a role model for all business women."

Werme recently was recognized by the Kalamazoo Gazette as a notable figure in education in the last century. She served on the WMU Board of Trustees from 1982 to 1985 and she is a former trustee and president of the Portage Board of Education. She serves as a trustee and vice president for the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Academy and also currently serves on the Bronson Healthcare Group board of directors and the Kalamazoo Symphony Society board.

The Portage Rotary Club, the Kalamazoo County Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Association of School Boards are among the other agencies which have honored Werme. She also is a recipient of the YWCA Woman of Achievement Award.

The Women's Festival is a day-long event offering women a chance to learn, network and have fun. For information, call 616 343-8593, or pick up a brochure in the WMU Office of Women's Resources and Services, A331 Ellsworth Hall. You may also check the festival Web site at <www.kawf.org>

Media contact: Jessica English, 616 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu


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