Press Release

Evergreen Award of Marquette County Honors Patricia Lenore Micklow

Monday, November 1st, 2010

MARQUETTE COUNTY – Recognized for being a visionary for women’s right to reach their full potential, especially in Marquette County and numerous areas in the community, Patricia Lenore Micklow was honored as recipient of the 2010 Evergreen Award of Marquette County.

The award was announced at the 2010 Evergreen Award Luncheon held at the Northern Michigan University Great Lakes Room on Monday, November 1.

Micklow was recognized for accomplishments in her career, for being an outstanding role model and mentor and making a strong contribution to the betterment of Marquette County through the use of her time, energy and creativity. Micklow is now retired but spent her professional career as an advocate for the rights of victims, particularly in the area of domestic violence. A graduate of the University Michigan Law School, she co-authored the first published legal article in the U.S. on domestic violence and has been deeply involved in legislative reform and shelter development and has trained judges, prosecutors and police officers on domestic violence issue.

Coming from a small western UP community of Swedish immigrant parents, she not only graduated from college, but entered law school as an atypical for the time older female student. She was the first elected female judge in the UP. She in effect served as a pathfinder, and in the course of her successful career in the profession of law, inspired and mentored number young women to reach their full potential.

“I nominated her based upon my experience serving with her on a number of committees at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and attending bi-weekly “Life Cycle” meetings in the same group over the past five years. She has been so active and caring in the community since her retirement. I had a vague idea that she had been a judge active in the prevention of domestic violence, but until I received her résumé from her husband to support his nomination had no idea of her national stature on this issue. Women cant ‘reach their leadership potential’ if they first cant survive, and frankly I am blow away by Pat’s efforts in this area,” said Allen D. Raymond III. Raymond nominated Micklow for the Evergreen Award.

Karlyn Rapport, past Evergreen Award recipient comments, “Pat is also an extraordinary grandmother, teaching her grandchildren to cook and sew, sewing their costumes for Marquette Arts and Culture theatrical performances. While driving her granddaughter Chloe to school, Pat said she was working on a paper about women who have made a difference. Chloe said, ‘Grandma, you make a difference!’ Pat was so taken aback, she started to cry. Patricia L. Micklow has made a difference in women’s lives.”

The Evergreen Award is the regional version of what used to be recognized as the ATHENA Award, and is organized by the Zonta Club of Marquette Area. The award is open to men and women of Marquette County who are inspirational in their roles as mentors of women and girls. The selection committee evaluated the nominees based on how they demonstrated excellence, creativity and initiative in their professions or as volunteers.

Beyond her professional life, Micklow has demonstrated support for women and girls in her volunteerism in the community. She has been involved in numerous programs and service organizations that support the health and well being of families. Some include: Marquette County Medical Care Access Coalition, Marquette Rotary Club, Marquette Women’s Center, Marquette County Task Force on Spouse Abuse, Northern Michigan University Women’s Advisory Council, Michigan Child and Family Services of the Upper Peninsula, Room at the Inn and Episcopal Church of the United States.

The Evergreen Award is added to the list of other esteemed accolades that Micklow has garnered. Micklow received the Woman of Leadership Award from the University of Michigan Center for the Education of Women (1992), the Northern Michigan University Distinguished Citizen Award (1997) and the Michigan Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Award (1998).

Cheryl Hill, friend and mentee also adds, “I can think of no better candidate for the award than Judge Micklow. Pat has been a champion, supporter and mentor to women of all ages. She has given of her talents to the community and beyond. It would be nice to see the community recognize her with the Evergreen Award.”

The Evergreen Award program also includes a scholarship to a local life-long learner pursuing an educational program. This award is made in the spring. Scholarship applications are available by contacting the Marquette Community Foundation.

Evergreen Award and Scholarship sponsors include Barton, Negri & Associates, VAST (formerly Hetrick & Associates) Insurance Agency, Cliffs Natural Resources, The Landmark Inn, Peninsula Medical Center, Public Service Garage, Range Bank, Zonta Club of Marquette and WJMN TV3. For more information on Evergreen Award and Scholarship program, please visit www.zontamqt.org or contact Pam Stewart at 228-7500 or pams@vastsolution.com.

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