Commonwealth Education Organization

            

 

WOMEN'S CONFERENCE 2009

was held October 27th at

The Carnegie Museum of Art

 

Dr. Miriam Grossman

Author of Unprotected

and

 You're Teaching My Child What?:

A Physician Exposes the Lies of Sex Ed and How They Harm Your Child

(release date-August 1, 2009)

 

 

As a physician working on a university campus, Dr. Grossman was concerned that "college campuses have long been centers of the country's culture wars and most expect competing ideologies and agendas to be openly debated in classrooms and throughout campus life".  Few expect, however, to find agendas in the offices of their campus doctor or therapist.  Yet, a culture war of sorts exists there as well, with alarming psychological and biological consequences, particularly for young women.  What this involves is, "The other side of sexual health: what you aren't being told might hurt you."

 

Our 2009 Awardess

 

Kim Geyer is the president of the Mars Area School Board.  She is also the founder of Mars Research and Retrieval Services where she researches and keeps up to date on current education programs and trends.  Kim is also asked on a regular basis to testify in Harrisburg before various legislative committees on issues impacting students, their schools, and the taxpayers.

 

Kathie Imgram is the Executive Director of the AW Beattie Career Center.  She is an educator, counselor, and hands on manager.  Kathie manages 50 employees, 700 students, and the needs of nine different school districts.  She recently spearheaded an effort to get a $22 million renovation to the Beattie facility, the first since 1969, and is personally managing the process.  Kathie started her career as a registered nurse.  

 

Dr. Pat Mason is an ordained minister.  In 1973, she started her ministry walking the streets of Pittsburgh.  In 1979, she relocated to Atlanta where she was a clinical therapist for the Georgia Department of Corrections.  Pat also served as an Academic Dean at the Jonathan Greer Bible Academy, was a chaplain at Emory University Affliliated Hospitals, and a clinical member of the Association for Pastoral Care.  Pat currently works as a counselor with Twogether Pittsburgh which is a federally funded faith-based project to strengthen marriages and families.

 

A special recognition was given by the Commonwealth Education Organization's (CEO) board to Patricia Dolan, the Executive Director of CEO.  The award was given to Patricia for her continued support of CEO, and the organization's many projects.                                           


 

 

Women of Character Conference 2007 

 

CEO's first Women of Character Conference was held October 23rd, 2007 and was an overwhelming success.  Over 200 women of all ages (and a few men) heard Wendy Shalit's life affirming presentation about rejecting the negative effects of our hypersexualized society and creating a culture based on modesty and self-respect.

 

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of four Woman of Character awards.  The recipients were selected from a group of highly qualified women who were nominated because they possess the characteristics of a Woman of Character:  a respected, mind, a nurturing heart, a serving hand and a faithful spirit.

 

Our first awardees:

 

Rev. Barbara Gunn, pastor of the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in North Versailles, PA was the first woman to be called to minister to an established Baptist church in the Pittsburgh area.  She holds a master's degree in theological studies from the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh and was also trained through the American Baptist Theological Seminary and Geneva College Center for Urban Ministry.  An evangelist and missionary who has preached in Haiti, the West Indies, Israel and Russia, Rev. Gunn is helped with the transition of Duquesne City High School students into the East Allegheny School District.

 

Mary Catherine Scanlon's award honors her quiet and determined work behind the scenes to protect the most vulnerable among us-the unborn, the elderly and the handicapped.  She also served for several years as a community representative on the Text Book and Curriculum Committee of her local high school.  Mary Catherine is a woman who lives out her commitment to her faith, her family and her community.

 

Amy Scheuring was recognized for her life's work promoting abstinence.  She has influenced thousands of teens and parents by advocating healthy choices when answering tough questions about sex.  The founding Director of the North Pittsburgh Pregnancy Care Center, Amy currently serves as Executive Director of the Women's Choice Network.  She is the author of Sex: More than a Plumbing Lesson. 

 

Rosalie Smith was recognized for her caring outreach to people-whether a neighbor, a friend or a group of homeless people seeking comfort as they gather each Monday evening in the city of Pittsburgh.  She helps clothe and feed the homeless and opens her door to family, friends and anyone in need of a nurturing boost.  With her optimistic nature, Rosalie encourages people to have hope in the future. 

 

 

 

 

 


Commonwealth Education Organization . 3830 Saxonburg Blvd. Cheswick , Pa. 15024 . (412) 967-9691