Rosemary Hale, passionate promoter of the arts and Brock University’s first female dean, is being recognized by the Women in Niagara Council with the 2017 International Women’s Day Award.

Hale was instrumental in, first, creating Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, and then in seeing it relocated to a new presence in downtown St. Catharines that has helped energize the heart of the city.

Having joined Brock in 2000, Hale was the dean of the Faculty of Humanities until 2010 and a professor in the Department of English Language and Literature.

Her appointment as Brock’s first female dean was a milestone for the University.

Hale was chosen for the prestigious award for exemplifying the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day — Be Bold for Change.

While both humbled and touched by the honour, Hale believes the award reflects back on all of the women, as well as men, who have inspired her throughout her lifetime.

Included among those key figures is Marilyn I. Walker.

When Hale envisioned transforming an empty downtown space into what is now the new home of the Walker School, she says it was Marilyn Walker who taught her that persistence is at the heart of bringing any dream to fruition.

“We are strong women, but we rely on each other,” Hale said, calling that support crucial. “I certainly relied on Marilyn to continually remind me that persistence is key in the face of any naysayer.”

Being a woman in a senior administrative role was not without its challenges, but those moments were also inspirational and taught her to continue to push forward.

Hale found support and guidance through the Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada, which brings together female leaders from institutions across the country.

It was through that organization that she learned how to be bold, strong and have her voice heard as a female leader.

There’s an unmatched strength in women standing together in solidarity and supporting and encouraging one another, she said.

In her retirement, Hale now spends her time volunteering with Hospice Niagara, an organization that strives to improve quality of life for people with terminal illnesses.

“It’s unbelievably rewarding,” she said, adding the organization is filled with inspiring women who help to provide the community with such a critical service.

Hale’s reward will be presented on March 3 at Club Roma in St. Catharines during the 16th annual International Women’s Day Luncheon.

Internationally Women’s Day is celebrated around the world annually on March 8.