2019 Jane Bierdeman-Fike award winner named

Dr. Elizabeth Wilson, left, accepts the 2019 Jane Bierdeman-Fike Humanitarian Award from Fulton Human Rights Commission President Carmen Brandt. Wilson was nominated by colleague George Garner.
Dr. Elizabeth Wilson, left, accepts the 2019 Jane Bierdeman-Fike Humanitarian Award from Fulton Human Rights Commission President Carmen Brandt. Wilson was nominated by colleague George Garner.

This year's Jane Bierdeman-Fike Humanitarian Award winner is a woman directly continuing Bierdeman-Fike's legacy.

Dr. Elizabeth Wilson was announced as the 2019 award winner during a luncheon Friday at Fulton City Hall.

"I'm so proud to be here and so proud to work in this community," Wilson said.

Each year since 2013, the Fulton Human Rights Commission and Callaway County has presented the award to a local woman who made major contributions of time, actions and dedication to social justice, environmental justice, economic quality, community strengthening, education and diversity. Community members nominate worthy women, and the commission narrows the list to a handful of finalists and chooses a winner.

Bierdeman-Fike was a Fulton resident who championed social and economic justice, as well as mental health issues. She also founded William Woods University's social work degree program in 1987. Today, Wilson leads that same program. She keeps Bierdeman-Fike's nameplate, plus a copy of her thesis, in her office.

"As we looked at her nomination, it exemplified everything we know Jane stood for," Human Rights Commission President Carmen Brandt said. "The fact that they had a personal relationship helped us further understand Jane's legacy."

While completing the social work program, Wilson's students take part in 500 hours of volunteer service for many agencies around Callaway County, including SERVE, the Coalition Against Rape and Domestic Violence, CMCA and many others. Wilson also helped launch WWU's annual diversity symposium in 2016.

"I think Jane would be really proud of that symposium," Wilson said.

Wilson's colleague George Garner nominated her for the award.

"I've known her since 1994 and worked with her for the last 13 years," Garner said. "She stands for everything Jane promoted. Jane was her role model, and for her to be recognized in the same way is wonderful. I'm so thrilled for her."

This year's other nominees included Sherry McBride-Brown, Nancy Lewis, Mona Steffens, Glenda Fitch and LaVonda Scott. Each woman nominated has spent many years working to make Callaway County a more equitable and kinder place to live. Choosing a winner was difficult for the committee, Brandt said.

"I'm humbled by all the work each of you are doing in the community," Wilson said to her fellow nominees.

The lunch ceremony included time to recognize women in local and state government.

"In 1919, Missouri was the 13th state to ratify the 19th Amendment," commission member LeWanda Jackson said. "It allowed women to have a say on matters. Women have made and maintained their mark in Callaway County."

The Human Rights Commission also presented a certificate to former Fulton mayor Leroy Benton, thanking him for his support of the commission.

"Under Mayor Benton's tenure, he did so much to promote unity and human rights," Brandt said. "Thank you for allowing us to do what we do."

Benton and Callaway County Commissioner Gary Jungermann praised the HRC in turn for their work to further social justice and equality issues in the county.

Past award winners include, in reverse order, Connie Cashion, Nancy Hanson, Suzanne Guerrant, Jerrie Bell and Nancy McCue.