Dr. Merodie A. Hancock, president of Thomas Edison State University (TESU), was among the nominees announced recently by the YWCA Princeton who will be honored with the 2020 Tribute to Women Award.
TESU Board of Trustees chair, Dr. Kemi Alli, chief executive officer of the Henry J. Austin Center, will also be among the elite group of professionals recognized as a Tribute honoree for 2020.
Presented by Wells Fargo, the YWCA Princeton 2020 Tribute to Women Awards will be bestowed at the Hamilton Manor on March 26, 2020. The awards recognize a group of professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the Mercer County community.
“I am honored to be recognized as one of the YWCA Princeton Tribute to Women awardees, and to join the outstanding women, including many from Thomas Edison State University, that have received this award in the past,” Hancock said. “Serving the community has always been a passion. Providing educational opportunities to adult learners creates individual prosperity and community resiliency.”
Hancock joins an exclusive group of former Tribute to Women recipients including two TESU staff: Robin Walton (2019), vice president for Community and Government Affairs; and Ana Berdecia (2017), senior fellow and director, the Center for the Positive Development of Urban Children. Berdecia was also recognized by YWCA Princeton with the Meta A. Grffith Community Service Award in 2005.
Established in 1984, the Tribute to Women Awards has recognized more than 300 Mercer County women for their accomplishments. The awards have placed emphasis on celebrating women who work in industries that support marginalized communities or dedicate themselves to advocacy efforts.
Toni M. Terry, BA