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March 17, 2004

Staniszewski Receives YWCA's Tomorrow's Leader Award

SIOUX FALLS - Augustana senior Rhea Staniszewski (Russell, MN) received the Tomorrow's Leader award at the 2004 YWCA Leader Luncheon held Tuesday, March 16, in Sioux Falls.

More than 460 people attended this year's event at the Sioux Falls Community Center. The theme was "Women Building a Healthy Community."

Staniszewski was cited for her volunteer work in missions and other areas. She told Argus Leader reporter Jill Callison she was inspired by her parents, Tom and Kathy Staniszewski, and her college professors.

"I had parents who were always willing to volunteer in the community," she said. "At college I met a lot of professors motivated to make a difference in the world, and I was really inspired."

Staniszewski will graduate in May, and in June plans to enroll at the University of Denver to pursue a master's degree in social work.

In November, 2003, Staniszewski received the Augustana Covenant Award for Liberal Arts. She is majoring in Spanish, social work, and psychology. She has made several trips to Latin American countries to experience the culture and struggles of the people.