Southern Connecticut State University will celebrate the achievements and impact of women in athletics during its inaugural “Honoring Trailblazers and Leaders in Women’s Sports” event on June 18 at Aria Banquet Facility in Prospect, Conn.
The special fundraising event, which was recently highlighted by Interim President Sandra Bulmer during an appearance on WTNH’s CT Live, will recognize four extraordinary women whose accomplishments have shaped athletics, sports media, and gender equity in sports.
Hosted by renowned NBC Sports broadcaster Andrea Joyce, the evening will honor:
- Donna Lopiano, one of the nation’s leading advocates for gender equity in athletics and a Southern alumna whose career has transformed opportunities for women and girls in sports
- Donna de Varona, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, pioneering sports broadcaster, and co-founder of the Women’s Sports Foundation
- Dawn Stanton, a former All-American track and field standout and longtime Southern administrator dedicated to supporting student success
- Elana Meyers Taylor, a six-time Olympic medalist and one of the most accomplished bobsled athletes in U.S. history
Proceeds from the event will support Southern’s 10 women’s varsity athletic programs, helping provide resources and opportunities for current and future student-athletes.
“Our athletes are the people that many of our employers want,” said Bulmer. “They have a work ethic. They are determined. They are resilient. They have a lot of the qualities that employers are seeking beyond academic credentials. We are really proud of our athletic program and committed to it.”
Bulmer also noted that the event serves as a celebration of the progress women’s athletics has made over the decades and an opportunity for younger generations to learn from the trailblazers who helped create those opportunities.
“I love that all the money raised that night will go to our 10 women’s sports programs at Southern,” Bulmer said. “The younger generation needs to learn our history, and it’s a celebration of our history.”
The event begins at 5 p.m. and will feature a reception, dinner, and recognition program. Community members, alumni, and supporters are invited to attend.
Watch Bulmer’s full CT Live interview: WTNH CT Live Interview: Honoring Trailblazers and Leaders in Women’s Sports
