Celebrating Delaware’s Trailblazers: Women’s Hall of Fame Art Exhibition in Partnership with the University of Delaware

The Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy, in collaboration with the University of Delaware, announces the opening of the annual Women’s Hall of Fame Art Exhibition. The showcase, featuring portraits by Delaware Artist, Theresa Walton, pays homage to outstanding Delaware women and marks the start of Women’s History Month in March.

This unique collaboration with the University of Delaware reflects a commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive space to honor the legacy of remarkable Delaware women. The exhibition, open from March 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025, will display 169 watercolor portraits, capturing the essence of these influential women and their collective impact on the state.

“The University of Delaware is proud to be working with the state to host this exhibition and pay homage to these pioneers, all of whom have been key figures in the formation and positive transformation of the First State,” said Dennis Assanis, President of the University of Delaware. “These women serve as exemplars and role models for our students, who after graduation will make their own mark on the world. While the opening of this exhibition commemorates Women’s History Month, the University is always committed to advancing equity, promoting inclusion, and recognizing the achievements of women.”

“The Women’s Hall of Fame Art Exhibition underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diverse accomplishments of Delaware’s women. This collaboration with the University of Delaware provides a platform to honor the trailblazers who have shaped our state’s history and continue to inspire positive change in our communities,” said Melanie Ross Levin, Director of the Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy.

Established in 1981, the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame recognizes the achievements of outstanding Delaware women from across various fields. From artists to athletes to community advocates and scientists, members represent diverse backgrounds. Nominees, irrespective of age, must have made a significant and lasting impact on the lives of Delawareans, and resided in the state for at least 10 years during their lifetime.

The 2023 honorees, which include two University of Delaware professors, showcase the breadth of accomplishment within the state. They are as follows:

• Patricia Dailey Lewis: Current CEO of the Beau Biden Foundation and former Deputy Attorney General with the Delaware Department of Justice.

• Bonnie Meszaros: Assistant professor of economics at the University of Delaware, an advocate for economics and personal finance education, and associate director of the UD Center for Economics Education and Entrepreneurship.

• Paulette Sullivan Moore: Delaware’s first African American female attorney, dedicated to addressing the needs of domestic violence victims. She also served as the New Castle County Recorder of Deeds from 1990 – 1994.

• Leslie Newman: Former CEO of Children and Families First for over a decade, and chairperson for the Delaware Community Foundation’s COVID-19 grant award committee, providing vital assistance to Delaware nonprofits during the pandemic.

• Lynn Snyder-Mackler: Celebrated physical therapist and sports medicine researcher, instrumental in making the University of Delaware’s Physical Therapy Graduate Program the top-ranked program in the country.

Event Details:

Women’s Hall of Fame Art Exhibition
Date: March 1, 2024 – January 15, 2025
Time: Monday-Friday 8:30am- 5pm
Location: Alfred Lerner Hall Atrium, 20 Orchard Rd, Newark, DE 19716

Note: The space may occasionally close for booked events. Plan your visit by contacting Lerner College of Business & Economics at 302-831-8163.

The public is invited to attend and explore this celebration of Delaware’s trailblazing women. The exhibition extends beyond the physical space, with an online showcase on the Office of Women’s and Advancement’s website, featuring all inductees and their accomplishments.

Applications for the 2024 Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame are open through March 28, 2024, and can be found at de.gov/women.

Sponsors: The Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy and the University of Delaware collaborated to organize the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Art Exhibition. The exhibition receives support from the Delaware Department of Human Resources and the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Committee. Additional support is offered, in part, through a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. Explore Delaware arts events at www.DelawareScene.com.