Distinguished Alumna Award
Elizabeth "Ducky" Grier Gower '45

The Distinguished Alumna Award is given each year to a Converse alumna in recognition of outstanding achievement in her field, service to her community or society, and loyalty to Converse. Without doubt, Elizabeth "Ducky" Gower '45 is deserving of this award.

With a BS degree in sociology from Converse College and a MSS degree from Smith College in Northampton, MA, Elizabeth was impressively prepared for a career in social service and volunteer work. She has served as senior vice president for the United Way of Greenville County, member of the Greenville (SC) City Council, executive director for the Community Planning Council of Greenville, executive director of the Greenville Area Action Council on Aging, and case worker for Family and Children's Services in Greenville. She managed the campaign of a probate judge in Greenville and worked in The Open Book, Inc., a family owned independent bookstore.

Elizabeth's volunteer activities include serving on the boards of United Way's "Success by Six" effort, Leadership South Carolina, the South Carolina Commission on Aging, Metropolitan Art Council, Peace Center for the Performing Arts, and the Appalachian Council of Governments. She has also served on the South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and the Blue Ridge Institute of Southern Community Service Executives. She was president of the Democratic Party Precinct in Greenville and a state convention delegate.

The Greenville County Human Relations Commission presented Elizabeth with its Humanitarian Award in 1989, and the Urban League of the Upstate bestowed its Whitney Young Jr. Humanitarian Award to her in 1998.

As a Converse alumna, she consistently supports the College, is a regular attendant at class reunions and alumnae functions, and is a great champion for Converse by continually sharing stories of her growth and learning experiences as a Converse student. One of her daughters and a daughter-in-law are also Converse alumnae.