A panel discussion with some of the former Republic Woman of the Year winners will highlight some of the community contributions of females.
The free event, “Strong Women Panel: A Cleo Turns 50 Event,” is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Red Room of the Bartholomew County Library at 536 Fifth St. in downtown Columbus.
“Cleo Turns 50” is the continuing theme of the 50th anniversary of the Cleo Rogers Memorial Library building designed by famed architect I.M. Pei, whose other works include the Louvre Pyramid in Paris, France. Rogers was the longtime local librarian who became a driving force for the new, expanded, modern library that opened in 1969. Rogers died in 1964 after she already had worked and planned alongside Pei and others.
“We are sure that Cleo Rogers would have been a Woman of the Year if the award existed when she was alive,” said Mary Clare Speckner, the library’s community services coordinator.
Jean Prather, The Republic’s editor of the Viva women’s section, launched the award in 1982 as a way to recognize women’s significant above-and-beyond, broad volunteerism. Winners receive a specially crafted medallion and a $2,000 prize that they then donate to their favorite causes.
The panel will include:
1983 winner Mary Lu Orr
1987 winner Bobbi Kroot
1995 winner Sarla Kalsi
2008 winner Fran Simmermaker
2011 winner Diane Doup
2012 winner Peggy Wampler
2015 winner Nancy Ann Poynter, also a former Columbus mayor
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What: "Strong Women Panel: A Cleo Turns 50 Event
When: 6 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Red Room, Bartholomew County Library, 536 Fifth St.
How much: Free
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