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Women for BW was delighted to gather on Ovations Day, Thursday, April 25th to honor Hannah Allenson ’20 with the Women for BW Legacy Award. The Women for BW Legacy Award supports women with financial need, working toward their degree (graduate or undergraduate) at Baldwin Wallace University. The Legacy Award honors the history of the Baldwin Wallace Women’s Club, established in 1921, and continues to support students in achieving their dreams.
The morning began with a welcome from Women for BW’s Chair, Alyson Cotter Campbell ’08 and an expression of gratitude for all in attendance. Victoria Bussert, Director of the BW Music Theatre Program provided inspiring keynote remarks regarding her journey to achieve her dream of directing. In a predominantly male profession, Victoria persevered to follow her dream breaking many barriers along the way. She became the first women accepted into Northwestern University’s Master of Fine Arts program, where she graduated with both a M.A. and M.F.A. Over the years she has had numerous directing accolades and positions but for the past 23 years she has focused on transforming BW’s musical theater program, preparing her students for active employment in the musical theater industry. This fall Victoria will lead BW in presenting Kinky Boots as BW is the first university in the country to ever be awarded the rights for production.
The celebration continued next with Kathy Papp '96 presenting the Legacy Award to Hannah Allenson ’20. Hannah is currently studying abroad in Queensland, Australia however her parents were in attendance to accept the award on her behalf. Hannah is a junior Public Health and Psychology major with extensive campus involvement. Her impressive resume has involvement with the BW Brain Center for Community Engagement, the Alternative Spring Break trip, the Peace Corps Prep Program, and is a Student Ambassador and Growth Practice Intern at the Center for Innovation & Growth to mention a few. After graduation Hannah aspires to join the Peace Corp, where she would complete a two-year position in a community abroad. Despite being abroad, Hannah created a brief video which was shared with the audience, expressing her sincere gratitude and appreciation for the Women for BW Legacy Award.
The event closed with additional remarks from Alyson Cotter Campbell ’08, including accolades for BW Trustees Agnes Dover '76 and Pam Connolly '71 who were in attendance. This year, Agnes will become the first women chairman of the BW Board of Directors.
For more information or to join Women for BW, please visit bw.edu/women-for-BW or email womenforbw@bw,edu.
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Kathy Papp '96 presents the award to Hannah's mother, Nancy Allenson, who accepted the award on her behalf.
Hannah Allenson, 2019 Legacy Award Recipient
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