Last Saturday, I went to the Inspiring Women Gala at Southern Illinois University with my mom.  The event raises money for scholarships for women attending SIUC and honors inspiring women throughout Southern Illinois and SIU alumnae.  Even though I graduated from the University of Illinois, most of my family graduated from SIU, so I feel as much of a connection to SIU as I do to UofI (growing up 10 minutes from campus may have something to do with that as well).  That connection is only part of the reason we decided to attend this year, however.

The key reason we wanted to go was because the president of Taylor Studios, Betty Brennan, received the Alumna Achievement Award.  She was inducted into the College of Business hall of fame in 2006 and serves as an active member of the college’s advisory board.  The dean of the College of Business, J. Dennis Cradit, nominated her.

She took the stage with five other women who have led the way to the top of their respective fields and have devoted much of their time to the service of others.  They included a judge, a PhD, and a mayor.  At one point during the program, I noticed how much of an age gap there seemed to be between Betty and the other nominees.  I attribute this to the fact that she knew what she wanted before she ever graduated and as she says she “followed her bliss” and created a thriving company never compromising her values.  Her drive, determination, and unwavering spirit has made Taylor Studios what it is today and she continues to live by our core value of constant improvement.

Follow these links to read more about the Gala and the women who were honored.

Posted by: Kara

(Pictures to Come)