PHOENIX – Following in the footsteps of the late Sen. Margaret Chase Smith, U.S. Sen. Olympia J. Snowe has been presented the Northwood University’s Distinguished Women’s Award.

“For over 30 years, Northwood University [of Midland, Mich.] has honored women on the leading edge of thought and achievement, worldwide. Sen. Olympia Snowe from Maine is the first woman in U.S. History to serve in both Houses of a state legislature and both Houses of Congress. A leading moderate who focuses attention on bipartisan consensus, she has played a leading role in formulating national policy,” said Dr. Nancy L. Barker, vice president of the Northwood Institute, in presenting the award. The award ceremony was held Nov. 16 in Phoenix.

“In recent weeks, Sen. Snowe’s steady patriotism and involvement in the American response to the current crisis have been notable. She is a long-time friend of both the University and of the late Senator Margaret Chase Smith, who served Northwood as both trustee and national chairman,” Barker said.

Northwood trustees established the Distinguished Women’s Award more than 30 years ago to honor outstanding individuals and women in leadership positions whose lives have become role models to their colleagues and future generations. The honor was the first of its kind in the nation and remains unique in its scope and focus. Sen. Smith was the first honoree – recognized in 1974 – and went on to become National Chair of the Northwood National Women’s Board in the 1980s when she toured every national chapter and greeted virtually all of their 5,000 members. Today, the Margaret Chase Smith Library in Skowhegan is part of the Northwood system.

“I am truly thrilled to accept this award from an institution that has done so much to help women fulfill their dreams. Women do make a difference for women. Whether in art, business, science or government, we have a responsibility to blaze the trail for others to follow – to spotlight issues that have too long remained in the shadows,” Snowe said in accepting the award.