SPRINGFIELD, OHIO - September 25, 2013. Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon returned to her alma mater, Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, on Wednesday to encourage civic involvement, promote Illinois and discuss the important role of women in government as the keynote speaker at the university's second annual Women in Leadership Luncheon.
"Whether in Springfield, Illinois or Springfield, Ohio, we need more strong and smart female leaders to ensure all our voices are heard," Simon said. "Women leaders broaden the debate and help advocate for people who may otherwise be forgotten."
At the Women in Leadership Luncheon, Simon addressed a large crowd of leaders from across the campus, community and Ohio. Following the event, Simon visited an urban politics class, fielded questions, discussed Illinois government and her office's duties.
As lieutenant governor, Simon has acted as the governor's point person on education reform and is leading efforts to increase college completion, inspire ethical government, protect military bases from closure, improve services in rural areas, advocate for survivors of abuse and keep waterways clean and safe.
While at Wittenberg, Simon was an All-American high jumper as well as president of the Student Senate, the university's student governing body. She was also the recipient of the prestigious M. Alice Geiger Award for outstanding contributions to the university community. Simon graduated summa cum laude and received a coveted NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship in 1983.
The Women in Leadership Luncheon was held in the Joseph C. Shouvlin Center for Lifelong Learning at 737 N. Fountain Ave. in Springfield, Ohio.
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