In academia, the attainment of tenure and promotion is celebrated because it represents the achievement of important milestones in the academic careers of the honorees. Among female faculty, there is an additional cause for celebration, given the visible and invisible hurdles that many of them face, as they conduct their research, educate students and engage in university, professional and community services that are evaluated as part of the basis for the award of tenure and promotion. Given the additional barriers as well as the fact that female faculty members' successes in traversing them with grace, the Office for Women’s Affairs (OWA) hosts an annual celebration in honor of women, who have received tenure and/or promotion.

On April 14, 2009, the Office for Women’s Affairs (OWA) enhanced the yearly honor by designing a formal dinner program, which included remarks from Provost Karen Hanson, words of welcome from Trustee Sue Talbot as well as a formal address given by First Lady Laurie Burns McRobbie. In addition to honoring tenured and promoted women, one of the highlights of the event was a celebration of women who had recently received titled professorships. The honorees were also presented with certificates and flowers. This years event is scheduled for March 25, 2009 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the IMU Tudor Room.