Sister Victoria Marie Gribschaw, SC, PhD, associate professor of family and consumer sciences and chair of the Division of Social Science at Seton Hill, was recently awarded the Outstanding Professional Award from the Pennsylvania Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (PAFCS). The award was presented on April 11 at the Awards Luncheon of the PAFCS Annual Conference held in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

The Outstanding Professional Award recognizes a member of PAFCS who has made a significant contribution to the improvement of family life in the Commonwealth. Sr. Victoria Marie has served PAFCS as a member of several committees, and in appointed and elected positions including the state student advisor, western area vice president, and two terms as president. She also served two years as secretary to the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Board of Directors. She was actively involved in the Transforming AAFCS: New Era Action process and served as a member of the AAFCS Governance Redesign Task Force.

“First and foremost is her commitment to the ideals and values of the profession. Her efforts to improve the well being of individuals, families and communities are exemplified by her commitment to service,” said Sharon Piano, a previous recipient of the Outstanding Professionals Award. “She is an outstanding educator and an excellent academic advisor, and her influence extends beyond the classroom.”

The mission of the Pennsylvania Association of Family and Consumer Sciences is to provide leadership and support for professionals whose work assists individuals, families, and communities in making informed decisions about their well being, relationships and resources to achieve optimal quality of life. For more information on PAFCS please visit www.pafcs.org.