Lt. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson, superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, will be honored by the Karen Possehl Women’s Endowment program at UCCS as the Pikes Peak Region’s Unstoppable Woman for 2016.
Johnson, along with seven graduating KPWE scholarship recipients, will be honored May 17 at an 11:30 a.m. community luncheon at the Gallogly Events Center. KPWE is a UCCS scholarship program that supports women returning to college after overcoming personal obstacles.
As the academy’s superintendent, Johnson directs a four-year regimen of military training, academics, athletic and character development programs leading to a Bachelor of Science degree and commission as an Air Force second lieutenant. Her accomplishments include being the first female wing commander at the Air Force Academy, a Rhodes Scholar, command pilot, and aide to presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. She is the first female superintendent of a Department of Defense military service academy.
For more information about Johnson, click here
Previous Unstoppable Woman award winners include: Jan Martin, Nancy Lewis, Margot Lane, Sharon Berthrong, Mary Osborne and Mary Lou Makepeace. For a complete list, click here.
Seven UCCS students will also be recognized for completing the program and graduating from UCCS. The students are
- Laura Bell, Manitou Springs. Bell will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
- Cynthia Dwelis, Colorado Springs. Dwelis will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts.
- Katrin Kramer, Colorado Springs, graduated in December with a Bachelor of Science in Business.
- Angela Lenn, Peyton, will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
- Staci Ruddy, Colorado Springs, will graduate with a Master of Science in Nursing.
- Georgina Segura, Colorado Springs, graduated in December with a Master of Science in Nursing.
- Rachel Taylor, Colorado Springs, will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Environmental Studies.
The event is $50 per person or $500 for a 10-person table before May 1. After May 1, tickets will be $60 per person or $600 per table. All net proceeds go to the Karen Possehl Women’s Endowment Program. Register online at www.uccs.edu/kpwe or call (719) 255-5108 for more information. Winslow BMW, Ent Credit Union, and Mackenzie Place Senior Living are event sponsors.
The KPWE Scholarship program, endowed in 1998 by Karen and Jim Possehl, Denver, provides financial assistance and mentor support for nontraditional UCCS students who are starting or returning to college after having overcome significant personal adversity. In addition to providing tuition assistance, KPWE matches scholars with community mentors who offer encouragement and professional contacts. The program provides career-focused workshops giving students the chance to learn more outside the classroom. Since its inception, 162 scholarships have been awarded. For more information, visit http://www.uccs.edu/kpwe/.
Leave a Reply