The Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics wishes to thank the hundreds of people who have already participated in its 10th anniversary celebration, which began with a visit by Christine Todd Whitman, the first and only woman governor of New Jersey and the current administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Ms. Whitman talked to some 700 people in three separate presentations and met personally with ISU students affiliated with the Catt Center on Sept. 19. She emphasized the importance of women’s political leadership to our nation’s public policy-making and called upon women to serve as role models and mentors to others who will follow.

By hosting prominent women of various political experiences and viewpoints, the Catt Center contributes greatly to the educational environment at Iowa State and the community’s civic engagement. Other nationally known speakers hosted by the Center over the past 10 years include former Sen. Nancy Kassebaum and Rep. Shirley Chisholm; attorneys Anita Hill and Susan Estrich; former Cabinet member and presidential candidate Elizabeth Dole; women and politics scholar Ruth Mandel; journalists Carole Simpson, Candy Crowley, Lynn Sherr, Gwen Ifill and Robin Wright; Clinton adviser Ann Lewis; Ms. Foundation for Women president Marie Wilson, and former Missouri Lt. Gov. Harriett Woods.

Events featuring these speakers have reached more than 150,000 people, including thousands of Iowa State students. Plans are to bring a prominent Democrat woman to serve as the Spring 2003 Mary Louise Smith Chair in Women and Politics.

Information on the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics, its mission, 10th anniversary events and youth vote pre-election activities can be found at www.iastate.edu/~cccatt.

Dianne Bystrom

Director

Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics.