[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 80 (Thursday, May 15, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E944]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO 2008 ATHENA AWARD RECIPIENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TIMOTHY WALBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 2008

  Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, it is my special privilege to recognize 
the 2008 Lenawee County ATHENA Award recipients Durstyne Farnan, O.P., 
and Dr. Nancy Kelly, DVM, and Parthenon Award recipient United Bank and 
Trust. It is with great admiration and pride that I congratulate these 
individuals and this company on behalf of all of those who have 
benefited from their demonstrated excellence in their professions and 
dedicated service to Lenawee County and the State of Michigan.
  ATHENA International was founded in the early 1980s by Martha Mertz, 
who while serving as the sole woman on the board of directors of the 
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, was inspired to recognize female 
business leaders in her community whom she felt had largely been 
overlooked. Thus, the first ATHENA Award was presented in 1982 and 
5,000 more have been awarded since to honor men and women across the 
globe for their professional excellence, community service, and active 
role in enabling women to achieve success as business and community 
leaders.
  Durstyne Farnan, better known as Sister Dusty, has devoted much of 
her life to promoting international peace. An advocate for women's 
liberties worldwide, Sister Dusty has traveled to countries around the 
globe assisting women in other cultures achieve independence and 
promote peace. Additionally, she has educated students at Siena Heights 
University on the serious subject of the trafficking of women and 
children.
  Dr. Nancy Kelly has faithfully served Lenawee County as a successful 
veterinarian and trusted mentor for many years. She is the on-call 
veterinarian for the Adrian, Madison, and Fairfield Township Fire 
Departments and holds an impressive record of extensive community 
service in the area. In addition to assisting veterinary students 
secure highly beneficial externships, she selflessly devotes much of 
her time to mentoring several local female students of veterinary 
medicine.
  United Bank and Trust has a history of producing successful 
businesswomen and stands as a fine model to companies throughout 
Lenawee County. As a company committed to providing training and 
development opportunities to all employees, United has a track record 
of promoting women to leadership positions. United Bank and Trust has 
earned respect as a hometown bank for their tailored service to the 
Lenawee community and for encouraging each of their employees to 
volunteer within the community.
  This year's ATHENA Award for Lenawee County was presented to Sister 
Dusty, Dr. Nancy Kelly, and United Bank and Trust for demonstrating 
excellence, creativity, and initiative in their profession and for 
actively assisting women in realizing their full leadership potential. 
The 2008 winners join an international network of men and women who 
work together to create leadership opportunities and encourage the 
empowerment of women leaders.
  Madam Speaker, today I honor the recipients of the 2008 ATHENA Award 
for their invaluable service to the Lenawee community. May others know 
of my high regard for their commitment to promoting women around the 
world, as well as my best wishes for them in the future.

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