Two academic leaders from University of the Pacific received this year’s Susan B. Anthony Women of Achievement Award, which recognizes women in San Joaquin County who have made significant contributions to their community.

Dean Elizabeth Orwin and Professor Emerita Marilyn Draheim were among 10 women honored by the San Joaquin County Commission on the Status of Women at the annual awards ceremony on Feb. 15.

Providing access and equity in education

Elizabeth Orwin, dean of Pacific’s School of Engineering and Computer Science, was recognized for her leadership role in initiatives that expand access to STEM education and strengthen pathways for future engineers.

Under Orwin’s leadership, the school has spearheaded changes that better prepare graduates for the vast opportunities available in engineering. These include a modified interdisciplinary first-year design, coursework integrating community projects, joining the Kern Engineering Entrepreneurial Network and the creation of the Fletcher Jones Foundation Makerspace. These contributions highlight Orwin’s impact on the student experience and hands-on learning at Pacific.

On taking the makerspace from concept to reality, Owin said, “It’s a space to encourage creativity, innovation and collaboration between students. This space really does support the mission of access and equity in education for everybody, supporting all students in STEM.”

Orwin’s dedication to education extends to her leadership outside of Pacific. She has served as the president and board secretary of the Lodi branch of the American Association of University Women, an organization that champions the success of women in higher education. It supports programs such as Tech Trek, a summer STEM experience for girls.

She also has served in the Society of Women Engineers and continues to support programs like MESA and Science Blast, which promote opportunities in STEM fields.

“My whole career has been about improving engineering education for all, as well as accessibility for women and underrepresented students in STEM who may have been told they don’t belong,” Orwin said. “So many of them wouldn’t have that exposure otherwise, and they would never even think about a career path in that area without these experiences.”

Guiding educators on their path

Marilyn Draheim was honored for her dedication in the field of education. She joined Pacific in 1986 as a faculty member and served as interim and assistant dean of Benerd College during her 32-year tenure. Draheim was also director of the Academic Skills Center and chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction for nearly 25 years.

Draheim contributed to statewide efforts to strengthen teacher preparation and accreditation. She served on the California Council for Teachers Education and was a regional representative for the Independent California Colleges and Universities for the Education of Teachers. She helped secure significant grant funding for Pacific, including a $200,000 grant from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to support transfer students preparing for their four-year bachelor’s degree and special education credential.

In 2019, Draheim was presented with the Order of Pacific, the university’s highest honor. In retirement, she established a scholarship supporting students returning to college to finish their degrees.

“I reflect on the rich experience I had working with students as young as recent high school graduates who enter their undergraduate degrees at 17 or 18 years of age to the oldest student who completed her doctoral degree in education at 80,” Draheim said. “I helped them feel like they belong, that they could do it and supported them along the way.”

Outside of Pacific, Draheim is the historian and former vice president of the Tau chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, the organization that nominated her for the Susan B. Anthony award. Through Delta Kappa Gamma, she has worked to promote the professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.

About the Award

The San Joaquin County Commission on the Status of Women, founded by Beverly Fitch McCarthy in 1975, holds the Susan B. Anthony Award ceremony on Anthony’s birthday each year.

Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mary Lomax-Ghirarduzzi ’89 received the award in 2024.

Candidates are nominated by a community organization, business or individual in categories including women’s rights, science, media, health care, business, community service, education and research.