The event that began at Clark College as a photography exhibit during Women’s History Week 1985 will return to the college in 2012 with a new name but a familiar and meaningful focus.
The Iris Awards will celebrate the lasting and far-reaching contributions of women in Southwest Washington and beyond.
The announcement of the first Iris Award recipients will be made during the 2012 State of the College Address on Thursday, January 19. The award recipients will be honored at a reception and ceremony on Thursday, March 8, 2012 from 5-7 p.m., in Clark’s Gaiser Student Center. Tickets will go on sale in late January.
The awards, which will be presented on International Women’s Day 2012, will honor the tradition of the regional "Women of Achievement" celebration but embrace a new direction for the future.
The Iris Awards are supported by Clark College, the Clark College Foundation and the Vancouver Business Journal.
"Since 1985, Clark College has been a regional leader in celebrating the contributions of women," said Robert Knight, Clark College president. "When we made the difficult decision to discontinue the Women of Achievement luncheon, we also made a commitment to exploring new ways in which to honor women in our region. Those discussions led to the creation of the Iris Awards. We’re proud to make this announcement, and we hope that the community will share our excitement."
Three Iris Awards may be presented annually. One recipient may be selected in each of three areas – service in the public sector, service in the private sector and philanthropic leadership.
Anyone may submit a nomination. Additionally, more than one person can fill out a nomination form for the same nominee or provide letters of recommendation.
Award criteria and nomination forms are available at www.clark.edu/cc/irisawards. Nominations must be received by Wed., Nov. 30.
Honorees will be notified by mid-December. Recipients of the Women of Achievement awards are not eligible for the Iris Awards. A list of past award recipients can be found at www.clark.edu/news_center/awards/womenshonors.php.
Forms may be submitted by email at commark@clark.edu. Nomination forms may be faxed to (360) 922-2832. They may also be mailed or delivered to the Office of the President, Clark College, Baird Administration Building, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 98663.
