Casey Bock is honored for outstanding essay at Lock Haven University

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Casey Bock (left) accepts a Virginia Martin Prize in Gender Issues from Dr. Nicole Burkholder-Mosco.

LOCK HAVEN, PA (03/28/2012)(readMedia)-- Lock Haven University is pleased to announce the winners of the first annual Virginia Martin Prizes in Gender Issues. The recipients were announced at the university's "Let Her Voice Be Heard" celebration on March 22.

The second prize award of one hundred fifty dollars was presented to Casey Bock, a senior majoring in International Studies. She is the daughter of Lisa Bock and Tom Bock of Camp Hill, Pa.

Her essay, "Peaceful Resistance in a Violent World," explored the topic of Palestinian resistance in Lebanese writer Etel Adnan's novel "Sitt Marie Rose." It was written for Dr. Gayatri Devi's fall 2011 Humanities seminar on Women and Peace.

The Virginia Martin Prizes are awarded on the basis of essays using gender and women's issues as the topic, focus of analysis or thematic concern. The essay competition is open to men and women in all disciplines.

Casey described the importance of gender study as an academic discipline: "Academic study of gender issues helps students understand the global struggles for peace and equality both men and women have experiences in history. Equipped with this knowledge, students can be respectful and active members of their community." She added, "Academic study of gender promotes a sense of respect, equality and empowerment for both men and women."

Upon graduation this semester, Casey will be pursuing a Master's program in Public Policy and Public Administration at Northwestern University. She hopes to work on behalf of an international humanitarian organization such as the United Nations.

The awards were made possible by a gift from Associate Professor Emerita Virginia Martin, teacher, scholar, life-long supporter of gender studies and retired faculty member of the LHU English Department. Professor Martin played a pivotal role in establishing the Women's Studies Program at LHU.

The Virginia Martin Prizes in Gender Issues will be awarded annually.

Lock Haven University is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), the largest provider of higher education in the commonwealth. Its 14 universities offer more than 250 degree and certificate programs in more than 120 areas of study. Nearly 405,000 system alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.