LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ -- Vickie Weaver, director of safety and security at Rider University, has joined a select group of women in being named the 1998 recipient of the Sadie Ziegler-Bernice Gee Rider University Woman of the Year Award.

The award was presented during the University's Women's Studies Colloquium on Thursday, March 26.

Weaver (left) is the 16th recipient of the award, presented annually since 1986 to a female member of the Rider University staff, faculty, or administration who has most effectively created a positive image for women at Rider and thereby contributed to the effort to elevate the status of all women.

"Vickie has been a leader and educator to students as well as faculty and staff, heightening risk management awareness and being a positive law enforcement role model to all -- in particular women," said Judith Johnston, professor of English and colloquium coordinator. "Seeing Vickie as an articulate, authoritative, and responsible officer, students and staff have a model of a woman who takes charge and solves problems."

Weaver has been a member of Rider's security staff since 1986, and has elevated through the ranks to her current position of director of safety and security. In this capacity she is responsible for the 24-hour public safety of two campus communities, overseeing 30 employees and approximately 30 student workers as well as maintaining full liaison with federal, state, and local police and fire officials. She graduated with distinction from the University's human services graduate program in 1991.

However, her roots in law enforcement and security extend from Lawrenceville to the Persian Gulf. A member of the U.S. Army since 1981, Weaver is currently holds the rank of sergeant first-class in the Army Reserves. In the Army, she has served in the military police, as a drill sergeant, and was activated for Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Her citations include a Good Conduct Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, three Army Commendation Medals, and an Overseas Ribbon. In addition, she was honored as Soldier of the Year while stationed in Herlong, CA, in 1983, and was inducted into the Women Veterans' Hall of Fame in Washington, DC last October.

A resident of Bristol, PA, Weaver earned a Bachelor degree from Methodist College in 1980.