Harrisburg, Pa. (October 21, 2009) – Rutgers head women’s basketball coach C. Vivian Stringer was named a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania on Wednesday morning at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg.
Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell and First Lady Judge Marjorie O. Rendell recognized the accomplishments of Stringer and seven other extraordinary women for their contributions in a variety of professional fields.
“The thought that you can always go home again, comes to mind,” said Stringer. “Pennsylvania holds a special place in my heart. I was born there, attended college, was married to a Pennsylvania native and had my first coaching job (Cheyney State) in the Keystone State. To be recognized in such a manner is truly overwhelming.”
A member of the 2009 class of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Stringer was the first coach – male or female - to take three different teams to the NCAA Final Four.
With a career spanning nearly four decades, Stringer is ranked third-all time in wins (825) in collegiate women’s basketball history. The three-time national coach has led her teams to 22 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, which includes nine regional finals and 41 total victories.
An assistant coach on the gold-medal winning 2004 U.S. Olympic Team in Athens, Stringer guided Rutgers to its fifth straight regional semifinal showing this past season.
In addition to Stringer, the following were honored as Distinguished Daughters: Juliet J. Goodfriend, Penn Valley; Judith R. Shapiro, Rosemont; Judith Joy Ross, Bethlehem; Eva Tansky Blum, Toi Derricotte and Jacqueline C. Morby, all of Pittsburgh; and Veronica Zasadni Froman, San Diego, Calif.
"This year's Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania have done extraordinary work in many different capacities," said Governor Rendell. "Their contributions to Pennsylvania and the nation have benefited everything from academics to athletics, the arts to the military, as well as businesses and communities. I am grateful for the work that these women have done on our behalf to strengthen our state and the quality of life for so many residents."
In 1948, a group of influential women suggested to then-Governor James H. Duff that outstanding women of Pennsylvania be recognized for their leadership and contributions to the state. The plans to honor these women developed into the Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania Awards, and the first awards were given in 1949.
Each year, state organizations nominate women in recognition of outstanding accomplishments of statewide or national importance. Quality of achievement of the individual comes first. The Daughters select the names to be given to the governor for approval. Over 400 women have been honored since the awards began.
"This year's Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania have done extraordinary work in many different capacities," said Governor Rendell. "Their contributions to Pennsylvania and the nation have benefited everything from academics to athletics, the arts to the military, as well as businesses and communities. I am grateful for the work that these women have done on our behalf to strengthen our state and the quality of life for so many residents."
In 1948, a group of influential women suggested to then-Governor James H. Duff that outstanding women of Pennsylvania be recognized for their leadership and contributions to the state. The plans to honor these women developed into the Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania Awards, and the first awards were given in 1949.
Each year, state organizations nominate women in recognition of outstanding accomplishments of statewide or national importance. Quality of achievement of the individual comes first. The Daughters select the names to be given to the governor for approval. Over 400 women have been honored since the awards began.
