Bloomington to honor 2 women for civic involvement contributions

Two local woman will be recognized for their hard work in the community at the 27th annual Women’s History Month Luncheon.

The March 6 luncheon is organized by the City of Bloomington Commission on the Status of Women.

“The lunch serves as an opportunity to recognize individual and collective accomplishments of women in our community,” program specialist Sue Owens said.

The nominated women were announced by Mayor Mark Kruzan. IU First Lady Laurie Burns McRobbie was named Bloomington’s Woman of the Year. The Lifetime Contribution Award will be presented to Gladys DeVane.

Owens said the City of Bloomington’s Commission on the Status of Women began seeking nominations for the awards in December 2011.

The deadline to submit nominations was Jan. 27.

The selection process is based on contributions to the status of women throughout Bloomington. Nominees are said to improve quality of life for other women through inspiration, community service and personal accomplishments.

“Both Laurie Burns McRobbie and Gladys DeVane are very deserving of their awards for serving as positive role models for girls and women,” Owens said. “They make outstanding contributions toward advancing the status of women in our community.”

McRobbie’s active role in the community this year led to her Woman of the Year nomination.

The wife of IU President Michael McRobbie was nominated by fellow Bloomington Middle Way House board member Sally Dunn.

“Laurie is a passionate advocate for social justice and philanthropy,” Dunn said. “She is a great role model and has really dedicated herself to the Middle Way House.”

McRobbie is actively involved in higher education and community projects, in which she works on the behalf of the disadvantaged.

In addition to being a faculty member for IU’s School of Informatics and Computing,
McRobbie is the founder of the IU Foundation’s Women’s Philanthropy Council. 

She also serves on the boards for WonderLab, Society of Friends of Music, Bloomington Hospital Foundation’s Hospice Campaign Committee, IU’s Colloquium for Women and Bloomington New Tech High School.

Like McRobbie, Lifetime Contribution award winner DeVane is heavily involved in women’s groups throughout the area.

She is known for creatively channeling her artistic talents into advancing women’s rights and social justice.

Fellow Playwrights Project’s Board of Directors member Robert Arnove nominated DeVane. Arnove said he not only admires DeVane’s acting talents, but her character as well.

“Gladys DeVane has been an inspiration to all who know her and benefit from her vision of a better society for all,” Arnove said.

Beyond the arts, DeVane is focused on helping individuals with developmental disabilities.

With her husband, she cofounded Options for Better Living.

The organization provides community living and employment options for hundreds of Bloomington residents who have disabilities.

In addition to honoring the nominees, the luncheon will exhibit organizations for women and women-owned businesses.

About 500 people are expected to attend the luncheon, and DeVane and McRobbie will be at the ceremony to accept their awards.