Phyllis Martin: ‘Impact, influence and generous involvement’

Photo by Chris Meyer Martin

Phyllis Martin has been a tenured member of the IUB Department of History since 1982.

A prolific scholar and expert on Africa, conflict in southern Africa and women in Africa, Martin is the author of two books, including Leisure and Society in Colonial Brazzaville, which was named Outstanding Academic Book by CHOICE magazine in 1996.

“Courses such as ‘Gendering African history’ have served not just graduate students in African history but also those in African-American history, European history, gender studies, African studies and folklore,” wrote one nominator for the annual award.

Martin’s latest research concerns the dynamic nature of women’s organizations within the church in the Congo. She is admired as a steadfast source of support and encouragement for a wide range of women, at every level, at IU. “On multiple occasions, she has reached out past the IUB community to help African women, both those at IUB for educational reasons and scholars from Africa coming to Bloomington to do work,” wrote her nominator.

The recipient of prestigious national awards in support of her research, Martin also has been recognized at IU for her outstanding teaching. In 1993-94, she received the IU Student Association Merit Award for Excellence in Teaching, and in 1996-97, her department presented her with a Teaching Excellence Recognition Award.

OWA Outstanding Staff Award

Angela Dill: ‘Compassion, desire, imagination’

Photo by Chris Meyer Dill

Angela Dill is an administrative assistant in the Center for Aging and Aged. She holds a master’s degree in library science, and recently earned another degree in gender studies.

Dill has done important work for women in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) community, including establishing several support groups through the GLBT Center; she is also currently helping to raise money for a GLBT community center. A driving force behind Outspoken, a support group for older lesbian and bisexual women, Dill maintains the listserv and Web site for the group. She also is the founder and co-facilitator for Girls Like Us, a group which provides support for women dealing with sexuality issues. In addition to these activities, Dill continues to support women’s rights through volunteer work with Planned Parenthood and the GLBT domestic violence task force. She was cited for her facility in going above and beyond her job duties to advance the opportunities for girls and women, both on the IU campus and within the Bloomington community. She is known for her compassion and her desire to help, for her imagination and hard work in following through and her pleasant personality which inspires the best in everyone.