The Ivy Young Willis and Martha Willis Dale Award Ceremony and Reception

Each year, the History and Political Science Department recognizes a woman who has made a noteworthy contribution to the civic life of her community; local, regional, national, or international. She is invited to Cabrini to speak to our students and receive the Ivy Young Willis and Martha Willis Dale Award.

This year’s recipient, PA State Representative Jennifer M. O'Mara, is being honored for her creative, innovative and progressive contributions to public affairs.

                     Thursday, September 14, 2023, 3–5 pm,
                     VIP Reception starting at 2:30 pm
                     Woodcrest Mansion, Cabrini University Campus

Register by Sept. 7 to ensure your seat. 

• All are welcome to attend this free event.
  
• Directions are available at cabrini.edu/directions.

Award History

The Ivy Young Willis and Martha Willis Dale Award Ceremony and Reception was initially established in 1992 by William G. Willis to honor Ivy, his late wife, and modified in 2014 by John Dale to honor Martha, his late wife and daughter of Ivy and William.

Ivy Young Willis was a teacher, administrator and reading consultant. She was a pioneer in the design of a curriculum for the teaching of reading on television at WQED in Pittsburgh, the country’s first public television station.  In her honor, the award ceremony was established at then Cabrini College, now Cabrini University, to honor a woman who made an outstanding contribution in the field of public affairs. 

Martha Willis Dale, former alumni director at Cabrini University for 26 years, modeled her mother’s teaching through her life of service to students, alumni, and the community. This series is dedicated to their memories and strong beliefs that women have a unique talent for improving the climate and conduct of public affairs.

Past Honorees