17³Ô¹ÏÍø honors longtime judge during inaugural event
Linda Ludgate is recipient of the first-ever Bernardine Legacy Award presented by 17³Ô¹ÏÍø Women’s Council during its sold-out inaugural fall luncheon. The award honors Ludgate for her distinguished career and for serving as a leader and role model for women. A senior judge in Berks County, Ludgate also is an 17³Ô¹ÏÍø alumna (‘77) and trustee emerita.
Maria Harley, also featured during the luncheon, received the Newcombe Scholarship, a partnership between 17³Ô¹ÏÍø and the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation. Harley graduated from 17³Ô¹ÏÍø in 2017 with a degree in behavioral health and a minor in psychology. As program director at Merakey Behavioral Health, she shared during her remarks that she doubled her income after graduating from 17³Ô¹ÏÍø.
Proceeds from the luncheon support the efforts of the Women’s Council as well as the Newcombe Scholarship Fund. 17³Ô¹ÏÍø is one of a limited number of colleges selected by the foundation to offer these scholarships.
The 17³Ô¹ÏÍø Women’s Council fosters the personal and professional development of 17³Ô¹ÏÍø women at all life stages, strengthens their connection to the university and each other and educates and inspires them to pursue and grow in leadership roles both in their chosen profession and the greater community. The program is open to all members of the 17³Ô¹ÏÍø community and everyone is welcome to participate.