Citation Honoring Congresswoman Pelosi '62
Congresswoman Pelosi's Remarks
Citation Honoring Governor Sebelius '70
Governor Sebelius' Remarks
Remarks of Peggy O'Brien '69, Chair of the Board of Trustees
Remarks of President Patricia McGuire '74
Trinity Institute for Women's Leadership
Photos

Trinity College honored two women leaders for their outstanding achievements and public service on September 25, 2003. House Democratic Leader Nancy D'Alesando Pelosi (D-CA) and Kansas Governor Kathleen Gilligan Sebelius (D) were presented with honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from their alma mater, Trinity College, at a Gala event, "A Celebration of Trinity Women's Leadership."

Nancy Pelosi is the first woman in American history to lead a major party in the U.S. Congress when she was overwhelmingly elected by her colleagues in the fall of 2002 as Democratic Leader of the House of Representatives. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi has served in the House of Representatives since 1987, representing California's Eighth District which includes most of the City of San Francisco.

In 2002, Kathleen Gilligan Sebelius was elected the 44th Governor of Kansas, pledging change and cooperation to move Kansas forward. She was the first Democrat to win an open seat in a statewide election in Kansas in 60 years. She is one of only 23 women ever to serve as governor of a state in the United States, 17 of whom were elected, with six currently serving. Governor Sebelius' served in the Kansas House of Representatives for seven years (1987-1994), until her election to the Office of Insurance Commissioner in 1994.

Governor Sebelius and Congresswoman were presented with honorary degrees by Trinity College Board Chair Peggy O'Brien and President Patricia McGuire, both graduates of Trinity College. President McGuire announced the establishment of the Trinity Institute for Women's Leadership, a non-partisan academic center devoted to teaching, learning and research on issues of concern to women.

For more information, contact: Ann Pauley, 202/884-9725, pauleya@trinitydc.edu