Alliance for Aging rewards Lillian Kopenhaver for positive living

by Lina Agudelo

Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver, former dean of the FIU School of Journalism and Mass Communication, was recognized with the Positive Living award in philanthropy by the Alliance for Aging on Nov. 19, 2014.

This award is presented to people who are promoting growth and vitality and are impacting their communities in South Florida. The university nominated Kopenhaver for her tireless work in the advancement of professional women.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the community for doing something I so believe in – helping others recognize their full potential,” she said.

During her tenure at FIU, Kopenhaver has been instrumental in promoting professional advancement and opportunities to SJMC students, particularly women. She founded the Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver Center for the Advancement of Women in Communication in 2013, with the mission to empower both women and professionals to make a difference in their communities.

“FIU is the first and only school with this unique center nationwide,” she said.

The center offers seminars, workshops, webinars and discussions for student engagement. Industry leaders, who offer valuable advice to students, host the events. The center also launched a mentorship program that will offer its first class this fall. The program is designed to help women move up the corporate ladder.

“Women can learn to be leaders and achieve those goals and dreams,” Kopenhaver said.