Student affairs VP is honored for work

Thirty-five Mahoning Valley women were nominated for this year's award.
By CYNTHIA VINARSKY
VINDICATOR BUSINESS WRITER
BOARDMAN -- Cynthia Anderson, who gets some credit for climbing enrollment and graduation rates at Youngstown State University, achieved a career pinnacle herself Thursday -- the 2004 ATHENA Award.
Anderson, vice president of student affairs at YSU, was chosen from a field of 35 nominees as the award recipient. The award is presented annually to a woman who exhibits professional excellence, community service and career support for other women.
Surprised and humbled by her selection, Anderson said she was impressed with the slate of "tremendous women" nominated for the honor.
"Our Mahoning Valley allows us so many opportunities to do so many wonderful things," she said, praising what she called her "YSU family" for their support and friendship.
Started program
Anderson initiated a student orientation program and a tutoring and mentorship program at YSU which officials believe are helping to increase enrollment and student retention numbers.
The university reported 1,988 students graduated in the 2003-04 academic year, a four-year high.
Overall enrollment was up 9 percent this year from four years ago.
More than 800 attended the 12th annual ATHENA Award dinner at Mr. Anthony's in Boardman, an event sponsored by The Vindicator and the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber.
Featured speaker for the evening was Toledo native Sandra Beach Lin, president of Alcoa's Closure Systems International. Based in Chicago, the company produces plastic bottle caps and other packaging supplies and parts at 22 plants in 15 countries.
Lin, who jokes that her sense of humor comes from growing up with the name Sandy Beach, said her career has taught her to be adaptable and ready to make choices.
Career moves
A mother of two teenage daughters, she and her husband moved their family nine times for her career, including a two-year stint in Singapore, but she also took some time off to stay at home when her children were infants.
At Alcoa, she has been involved in Women's Unlimited, a three-phase training program designed to encourage leadership in female employees.
She's also been instrumental in establishing a new Girl Scout badge which is being piloted in the Chicago area, "From Badge to Business," which will be launched in other U.S. cities next year.
Offering a bit of advice to the audience, she said honesty and integrity are "nonnegotiable," along with the ability to adapt to change.
"Beyond that, women need to take up our space," she said. "Don't be afraid to state your opinions and be heard."
vinarsky@vindy.com