More than one hundred people gathered Tuesday in the Kent State Ballroom to celebrate 46 honorees for the 8th Annual Mothers, Mentors and Muses Fundraiser Reception and two 2016-17 Women’s Center Endowed Scholarship recipients.

According to the Women’s Center website, “The event honors women as either a mother — someone who has helped ‘birth’ new ideas and thoughts in others and also has served as an overall nurturing individual; a mentor — an individual who has been both a role model and a trusted counselor to others; or a muse — an individual who has inspired both creativity and academic enthusiasm in others.”

Pamela Farer-Singleton, chief psychologist of University Health Services and Mother, Mentors, and Muses honoree, made it her mission to not only inspire others, but to watch them grow.

“The feeling of making a difference in someone’s life is so rewarding. Being able to see the potential students and adults have and to be able to help enhance that is what makes this so rewarding,” Farer-Singleton said.

Farer-Singleton has worked at Kent State for 23 years and said the most rewarding experience was when she helped an international student realize their full potential for success.

“(The student) struggled with serious concerns and had a limited amount of resources,” said Farer-Singleton. “I was able to help her while she was distressed and see her go beyond Kent State. That’s what it’s about.”

Throughout the evening, 45 other women were honored for their community service and dedication to not only their careers, but to their students as well.

Molly Taggart, a communication studies professor, said she wonders if she’s making a difference in the lives of those around her.

“It’s hard to know sometimes if you really do make a difference … ,” Taggart said.

However, students know Taggart for making a difference in their lives.

“My students surprised me with the same certificates that I’ve given them to honor (them) for being their professor, and where my signature should have gone, all 30 of them signed it instead,” Taggart said.

Taggart said she doesn’t let her worries stop her. She found out even though it may seem like she isn’t making a difference, she actually is.

“Students or colleagues sometimes come back to you and tell you what a difference you’ve made. It’s incredibly humbling, inspiring and rewarding,” Taggart said.

In addition to recognizing strong women, The Women’s Center announced a new award titled “The Heather E. Adams Woman of Impact Award,” in honor of the retiring Women’s Center executive director.

Adams worked as an active faculty member at Kent State for over 30 years. The award announcement shocked her.

“I’m at a loss for words,” Adams said. “It’s been my honor to work with all of you. It was everybody working together.”

For more information on the Mothers, Mentors and Muses Fundraiser Reception, visit the Women’s Center’s website. 

Lyric Aquino is the humanities reporter, contact her at [email protected].