Anoka-Ramsey Community College Speech Communications Faculty member, Angie Anderson was recently awarded the 2009 Project of the Year by the Commission on the Status of Women. Anderson’s scholarly article, “Historical Inquiry of Sexism in Politics and Sexism in the 2008 Presidential Race” was chosen for both for its high quality of work and for fitting the criteria of pertaining to women and/or gender-related issues that impact women.

Anderson, along with two other award winners, was recognized at the Women of Courage and Vision Reception at Minnesota State University Mankato.

The article was written as part of the Graduate Certificate in Professional Communication at Minnesota State University Mankato which Anderson completed in May 2009. Besides the award-winning quality of the work she produced in the program, it is also notable that Anderson was able to complete the online program for professionals in one year, instead of the customary two years the certificate program usually takes to complete.

"The winning project was one of two final projects for a Political Communication course I took last fall,” says Anderson. “My instructor suggested I submit this one due to the quality and criteria of the award, but both projects enhanced my skills for analyzing communication behavior and will ultimately benefit my students as we discuss public speaking, verbal and nonverbal communications, power and political communication."

The award-granting organization, Minnesota State University Mankato President's Commission on the Status of Women, serves to identify, define and make recommendations about women's concerns and issues with the goal of improving the status of women on their campus.

The annual award recognizes excellence in creative endeavors, including the arts, and scholarly work pertaining to women and/or gender-related issues that impact women. Topics could include, but are not limited to feminist activism, women’s body-image and popular culture, women's autobiography, women, sex and identity, intersections among race, class and gender, women's health issues and global feminisms.

Along with being honored at the public reception, Anderson received a $350 cash award.