Three University faculty members to be recognized in BTN special for their accomplishments

By Charlotte Collins

Three University female faculty members will be recognized for their contributions to the University in a new documentary premiering at the end of September.

The special, “Making Their Mark,” will feature Jean Driscoll, LAS senior director of development and Olympic athlete, Donna Cox, an artist and scientist who works with graphic design, and entomology professor May Berenbaum. It was produced by Tim Hartin and Allison Davis Woods and will debut on the Illinois Big Ten Network Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. Hartin and Woods work in public affairs at the University.

Driscoll has earned numerous gold medals from competing in wheelchair racing at the Paralympic Games as well as marathon racing. The Lincoln Academy selected her for the Order of Lincoln award in 2012, which is the highest honor given by the state of Illinois.

Cox works extensively with graphic design and was chosen by the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry as one of 40 “modern-day Leonardo da Vincis” in 2008.

Berenbaum has found great success and national recognition for her work with honeybees. Last year she was awarded the National Medal of Science by President Obama.

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“I think this is an extraordinary campus full of extraordinary faculty,” Berenbaum said. “To be singled out is kind of embarrassing.”

Driscoll said she’s “humbled and honored” to be included in the feature with Cox and Berenbaum.

“I hope that (women at the University) are inspired to continue to pursue their goals and dreams and to recognize that there are a lot of different ways to celebrate success,” said “I think the University of Illinois has a long history of incredible people, whether it’s faculty, students, alumni … We have a lot to be proud of at the University of Illinois.”