Nominees sought for Plitt Scholarship

The scholarship was created by Plitt's sister, Arlene Kossoff, and her husband, Richard Kossoff, to encourage others to emulate Plitt's lifetime commitment to equal rights for women. Academic achievement is not a factor and nominations by fellow students or self-nominations are welcome. Application forms are available at the Susan B. Anthony University Center; nominations will be accepted until Wednesday, December 1. The name of the winner will be announced at the annual Susan B. Anthony Dinner in February.

The first award of the Jane R. Plitt Scholarship was made last semester. The recipients were Melissa Diaz, who is working toward a master's of science in education, focusing on secondary school studies, at the Warner School; and Heather Hall '01, who is majoring in religion and history and minoring in art history.

Plitt is a visiting scholar at the University who has been dedicated to achieving equal rights for women. As a local businesswoman, she helped eliminate men-only grills and eating areas and led efforts to ensure equality on the job. She was executive director of the National Organization for Women and played a key role in opening membership to women in the Jaycees and other service organizations, including the Rotary and Kiwanis.

Plitt has researched and written a book about a local 19th-century female entrepreneur who created the first retail franchise in America and launched more than 500 beauty shops throughout the world under her innovative business model. The book, Martha Matilda Harper and the American Dream: How One Woman Changed the Face of Modern Business, will be published by Syracuse University Press in the spring when a major exhibit on Harper will open at the Rochester Museum & Science Center next year.

Maintained by University Public Relations
Please send your comments and suggestions to:
Public Relations.