Missouri State University will grant honorary doctorates this year to two notable Springfield women.
Jan Horton and Patti Penny both will receive the Doctor of Public Affairs at the MSU's May 15 commencement ceremonies.
"Ms. Horton and Ms. Penny are innovators, businesswomen, collaborators and visionary leaders," MSU Honorary Doctorate Committee Chair Paula Kemp in a news release. "Both have extraordinary and distinguished accomplishments."
Horton has been a lifelong volunteer, working with organizations such as the Junior League of Springfield, the Visiting Nurse Association and the Girls Club of Springfield. She has served on more than 40 boards and committees, with special emphasis on the arts, environment and downtown revitalization, the release said. She also served as president of Community Foundation of the Ozarks, growing it from 37 charitable funds totaling $1.7 million to more than 465 funds totaling $51 million.
Penny is founder of Penmac Personnel Services, which was named one of the Top 25 Women's Business Enterprises in the country by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council, according to the release. She has reimbursed individuals for the cost of the GED, established a GED program in Ava and established a work force development center to provide space and equipment GED classes. She also donated to and helped raise funds for improving the Seymour Library. She is a past Springfield Business Journal Most Influential Women honoree.
MSU began awarding honorary doctorates in 2003. Past recipients are Sister Lorraine Biebel, Harold Bengsch, David Harrison, Pat Walker, Annie Busch, Jim Craig, Nancy Brown Dornan and Dr. Sue Savage-Rumbaugh.[[In-content Ad]]
