UND students Kylie Oversen and Korey Southerland and faculty member Linda Neuerburg were recipients of the university's "Phenomenal Woman" award this month.
The award is presented by the UND Women's Center and Multicultural Student Services each year during National Women's History Month since 2005. It recognizes those who have made contributions to the advancement of women and people of color.
Neuerburg, assistant director of American Indian Student Services, won recognition for community service.
AISS program coordinator Michelle Kozel nominated her.
"Linda spends the majority of her days solving problems for students, often problems that the students feel certain will end their university experience," Kozel said in her nomination letter. "I have witnessed countless students going into Linda's office in tears, and then emerge a short while later looking so happy and relieved due to the expert advisement, services and advocacy she provides."
ADVERTISEMENT
Oversen, UND student body president, won recognition for service to UND.
Lori Reesor, UND vice president for student affairs, nominated her.
"Historically, not many women have occupied this important position at UND so just her serving in this role is important," Reesor said in her nomination letter. "She is a talented leader and advocate for students at UND and those underrepresented."
Southerland, a UND student majoring in political science and environmental geography, was recognized for service to UND.
Gretchen Mullendore, assistant professor of atmospheric sciences and faculty advisor for UND Women in Science, nominated her.
Southerland, who organized the Women in Science group, is serving as its first president. She is in the McNair Program which encourages students, who are from low-income backgrounds or groups that are underrepresented in targeted programs, to pursue graduate studies.
"In her undergraduate studies, Korey witnessed her female peers at UND dropping out of fields with already low numbers of women," Mullendore said in her nomination letter. "I remember Korey telling me how incredulous she was to have a female friend explain her change in major by stating, 'Well, girls just aren't good at math.' Korey channeled her frustration into looking for solutions, leading to the founding of the UND Women in Science organization."
