Ivy Young Willis Award presented to alumna Buzzallino

By Robert Riches
March 25, 2013

The Ivy Young Willis Award was presented to alumna Joan M. Buzzallino of the class of 1966 in a ceremony at the Mansion on March 21.

Chair of the history and political science department Dr. Darryl Mace opened the ceremony, and pointed out distinguished guests in the crowd such as members of the College’s Board of Trustees as well as representatives from the League of Women Voters. Mace then introduced sophomore Chauntevia Flowers, recipient of the Buzzallino International Experience Scholarship, who thanked Buzzallino before reciting a prayer.

Dr. Joloyn Girard, professor emeritus of history, then took the podium to recount the history of the Ivy Young Willis Award. He spoke about how the late Martha Dale approached him and Dr. Jim Hedtke in 1991 to invite a “woman of distinction” to the College every year.

“This is Martha Dale’s award. She did this,” Girard said. “If I had it my way, I’d call it the Ivy Young Willis/Martha Dale Award.”

From there, Dr. Marie Angelella George introduced Buzzallino, remarking on how this presentation was a special one due to the Award being presented to an alumna of the College.

“Cabrini students often study the gender movement,” President George said. “This is a woman who lived it.”

Following President George’s introduction, Buzzallino took the podium, opening up with a personal story about Dale.

“Martha Dale did more for Cabrini with her personal touch,” Buzzallino said.

Buzzallino then progressed into her time working as a fifth-grade teacher after graduating from the College, with aspirations of living in Manhattan working for a big company. She got her start at IBM after hearing from a friend of her father’s that the computer giant had wanted to hire women.

She then moved down to Philadelphia in the early 1970’s where she hired a man in marketing support as well as a woman in sales, which she described as “two of her most exciting career moments.”

She also shed light on a global initiative run by IBM where workers and retirees can log into an intranet to find volunteer opportunities around the world. According to Buzzallino, 36 percent of the company’s employees and retirees have participated, with 13.4 million hours of worked logged.

Buzzallino then opened up the floor to questions that anybody in attendance had, before receiving the award from President George. Mace closed out the ceremony with several remarks followed by a light reception.

This ceremony was filled with more emotion than in years past due to the passing of Martha Dale last fall. Dale’s father created the award as a means of honoring his wife, and as Girard mentioned, Dale carried out the spirit of the award. Buzzallino did not hesitate to sing Dale’s praises, feeling honored to receive an award that Dale wholeheartedly supported.

“I know that Martha is watching from above, with Mother Ursula sitting right next to her,” Buzzallino said.

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Robert Riches

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