CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The mother of a senior from Willow Springs, Ill., and the Graduate College Career Services Office were honored by the Moms Association during Moms Weekend at the University of Illinois.
Lois Porebski received the third annual Amelia Alpiner Stern Mom of the Year award, which honors the support, encouragement and inspiration that moms provide.
Porebski, nominated by her daughter, Mindi, who’s majoring in linguistics and mathematics, received an engraved plaque.
In her nomination essay, Mindi describes her mother as “strong and compassionate,” and expressed gratitude for her mother’s love and sacrifice.
“My mother, through both her actions and words, taught me to be independent, to be strong, and to never give up – no matter what. This advice has driven me to the success I have found so far in life and school, and I know it will continue to take me further.”
Amelia Sandoval-Colón, of Chicago, and Susan Johnson, of Deerfield, Ill., were honored as finalists.
The Graduate College Career Services Office was given the Illini Spirit Award, created to provide financial support to programs and projects that contribute to the safety, health, development and achievement of U. of I. students.
The Career Services Office was founded in 2003 to assist Illinois graduate students and postdoctoral students with decision-making and planning.
With funding from the Illini Spirit Award, the Career Services Office will organize a symposium titled “Balancing Family and Work.” Mary Ann Mason, professor and co-director of the Economics and Family Security Center at the University of California, Berkeley, College of Law, will be a featured speaker.
More information about the Moms Association, is available online or the Parent Programs Office at 217-333-7063.
The Moms Association, established in 1923, is believed to be one of the nation’s longest-serving parent organizations. The association supports programs, services and activities that promote the health, safety and well-being of the university community and serves as the parent liaison to the campus.
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