Ginny Colfelt Arthur

Expressing her concern about the future of humanity, Eleanor Roosevelt stated, "We have to face the fact that either all of us are going to die together, or we are going to learn to live together, and if we are to live together, we have to talk."

Through her commitment to her career, family, and community, Ginny Arthur has devoted her life to this concept of learning to live together. She is being honored in the Plaza of Heroines for the work that she has done to promote understanding and sensitivity among all people. Ginny's commitment to a better future is reflected in her commitment to those around her. She is a caring and compassionate woman who is concerned about the welfare, happiness, and success of her colleagues and students.

Staff and students often seek her out to help them with problems because of her genuiness and willingness to listen. She has a tremendous sense of humor, which she utilizes creatively to help her and those around her maintain a sense of perspective. Many people, both women and men, view Ginny as a role model. She effectively balances her career goals with a strong sense of dedication to her family.

As an Assistant Director in the Department of Residence at Iowa State, she is involved in the department and on campus in improving campus life for students. She is active in student affairs and housing professional organizations, serving as the president of the Association of College and University Housing Officers International. Ginny is also actively involved in the lives of her partner and their children. In fact, she can often be found spending time with them at the ballpark or an art exhibition. Although it may appear to some as though she is part of the "Superwoman" complex, Ginny also strives to maintain a healthy commitment to herself and believes that we must each take care of ourselves as individuals before we can be involved in helping others.

Ginny's role modeling extends, however, beyond her career and family. She possesses an exemplary ability to work with people, largely because of her sensitivity to and appreciation for the differences among the people with whom she works. She is committed to a work place and campus environment that reflect the diversity of our global community and seeks out opportunities to help create such environments. She stands up against sexism, racism, homophobia, and the many other forms of oppression that seek to divide us. Ginny also continues to learn and to teach others about understanding one another and living together.

The following people would like to thank Ginny for all that she has done:

Jeanine Bessette, Ann Gansemer-Topf, Sally Deters, Pam Scandrett, Doug Gruenewald, Lois Johnson, Randy Monthei, Becki Elkins, Nesheim Jeff Elkins, Nesheim Jackie Simpson, Sue Mills, Gary Schwartz, Ann Coppernoll-Farn,i Ann Clubine, Stewart Burger, Stephanie Wells, Angela Haigler, Paul Thibodeaux, Kate Coffin, Rich Garrey, Marvel Synder, Joelle Andrew, Mary Korte, Carol Peterson, Karen Larson, Patti Hunter, Catherine Green, Michael Boatner, Cindy Hadaway, Pete Englin, Karen Kellogg, Chuck Frederiksen, Marc Strothers, Dick McFarlin, Carol Carlsen, Linda Young, Jim Judy, Pat Robinson, Harry Moore, Don Whalen, Carl Moen, ChaRon Sattler, Kay-Lynne Johnson-Willoughby. 7/1/96