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First Lady Receives Merit Award From Tennessee State University

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4/2/2007

First Lady Andrea Conte received the 2007 Women of Legend and Merit Award for Community Service from Tennessee State University on Thursday, March 29, in honor of her exceptional service to the state of Tennessee.

"I'm honored to have been recognized by Tennessee State University, and am proud to have been included in a panel of such distinguished women receiving this award," said Conte.

This awards ceremony was formed by TSU First Lady Dr. Marcelite Johnson, who wanted to honor legendary women during Women’s History Month. The awards highlighted the accomplishments and contributions made by women from TSU as well as alumnae and members of the community representing athletics, politics and government, science and medicine, education and business.

“We wanted to honor Mrs. Conte, not only because she is an alum of TSU, but because of her commitment to raising awareness about crime and justice issues,” said Jewell Winn, Nominating Chair of the awards committee. “She is a champion to the community and we applaud that.”

Other honorees of the evening included Olympic Gold Medalist Chandra Cheeseborough, Citizens Bank President Deborah Cole, Metro Nashville School's Retired Educator Lillian D. Thomas, Wachovia Bank Vice President Georgette Peek Dixon, State of Tennessee Senator Thelma Harper and Meharry Medical College Physician Gwinnett Ladson. The keynote speaker was Johnetta Cole, president of North Carolina's Bennett College.

Conte is a long time victims’ advocate. She founded and is president of You Have the Power…Know How to Use It, a nonprofit organization that provides public programs and information about preventable crimes such as domestic violence, elder abuse and child sexual abuse to organizations across the nation. Conte also participated in “AndreaWalks” a 600-mile walk across the state to raise awareness about child sexual abuse.