Wilmington, DE – Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, PhD., was celebrated by the University and Whist Club of Wilmington today with a luncheon as their honoree for International Women’s Day. Events around the world today serve to highlight the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women across the globe. Today’s event marks the second year the Whist has recognized a Delaware woman for her contributions and achievements on behalf of women in Delaware and across the globe.
“International Women’s Day sends a strong message that we have to press on and keep working toward equality and parity for women,” said Hall-Long, who is a nursing professor at the University of Delaware and served over 14 years in the General Assembly. “We’ve made great strides in closing the gap, tearing down walls and barriers, and making sure that women and girls have all the opportunities we can afford them. I hope that International Women’s Day serves as an inspiration to young girls to pursue their dreams. I am honored that my work making Delaware a healthier and stronger state was recognized today.”
“Today was such a wonderful event. This is our second year celebrating International Women’s Day here at the Whist, and we couldn’t have been more pleased than to celebrate the Lt. Governor’s accomplishments as a way to recognize this day,” said Stacey Inglis with the University & Whist Club.
A packed room of nearly 180 individuals listened as a series of speakers honored Lt. Governor Hall-Long with presentations and spoke about her experience and work in the areas of health policy, government, and advocacy for the community on issues from addiction and expanding healthcare and treatment.
In a prepared letter read by James Collins, Delaware’s Chief Information Officer, Governor Carney lauded the Lt. Governor, noting that “Bethany has proven her commitment to help our most vulnerable. As Lieutenant Governor, and as Chair of the Behavioral Health Consortium, she’s doing important work to confront the addiction crisis and improve mental health services for Delawareans”.
International Women’s Day has been celebrated for more than one hundred years. Dr. Anne M. Farley touched on the importance and history of this day and referenced how the Lt. Governor is an example of this year’s theme, #PressforProgress. “Whether she is collaborating on a grant, conducting research, presiding over the State Senate, giving a lecture at the University of Delaware, working in a community, or interacting one on one with an individual, Bethany reflects these humanistic values that honor the dignity of a person…and just does not sleep enough balancing it all.”
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