[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 119 (Wednesday, September 3, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S11026]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JANE STEPHENSON

 Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I pay tribute to Jane Stephenson, 
a former college administrator and founder of the New Opportunity 
School for Women, NOSW. Ms. Stephenson's charity and innovation has 
given many women in eastern Kentucky a renewed vigor for life and an 
improved sense of self-worth.
  In 1987, Ms. Stephenson founded NOSW as an institution of free 
instruction for women of Appalachia. Headquartered in Berea, KY, NOSW 
draws women from all over the Appalachian region for 3 weeks of classes 
in job hunting, public speaking, literature, self-defense, and personal 
style. Additionally, students of NOSW are afforded opportunities to 
visit cultural institutions such as the Kentucky Horse Park and the 
Cincinnati Art Museum. Most women enrolled in NOSW are middle-aged and 
come from low income homes. Were it not for Ms. Stephenson's benevolent 
vision, these women would have little opportunity to improve their 
positions in society.
  In addition to encouraging self-awareness and improvement, Ms. 
Stephenson and NOSW instill the importance of community service in 
students. Often, graduates from NOSW find new jobs in the social 
service sector as a result of their experience as care givers fostered 
by NOSW. Other graduates continue their education. In fact, 
approximately 75 percent of the 400 alumni of NOSW have either pursued 
GEDs and college degrees, or found new employment opportunities.
  Ms. Stephenson retired as director of the school several years ago, 
but she still serves in the capacity of teacher and fundraiser. She is 
an exemplar of charity and selflessness and is one to be emulated 
nationwide. Ms. Stephenson's vision has reaped innumerable benefits in 
the lives of hundreds of women of Appalachia. I thank the Senate for 
allowing me to pay tribute to this remarkable woman.

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