The American Association of University Women – Bradford Branch has announced the recipients of three awards, including AAUW Woman of the Year to Susan Hughes.

Hughes has served as co-president, membership vice president, assistant treasurer and program vice president of AAUW. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, she has worked in management positions in retail and in long-term care administration. Hughes currently serves on the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors, the Salvation Army advisory board, Destinations board and the Church of the Nazarene executive board. Hughes has co-chaired the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Disease and has served as captain for American Cancer Society Relay for Life teams. This award is given to an AAUW member who demonstrates strong leadership skills and has served the organization and community with distinction.

Terri Smith Leven is the first recipient of the Most Valuable Member Award. The purpose of this award is to recognize a current AAUW member who year-after-year goes above and beyond in her service to the Bradford Branch of AAUW. Leven holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s from St. Bonaventure University, and has a distinguished career as a teacher in the Bradford Area School District. As a longtime member of AAUW, she is a past president and program vice president and currently serves as treasurer and as a scholarship committee member. Leven is a past recipient of the AAUW Woman of Year Award. She is also a Bradford Creative and Performing Arts Center board member and member of the Pitt Arts Council.

Holly J. Spittler was named the recipient of the Gateway to Equity Award, which is given to a

an individual, group or organization that has shown by action and philosophy the promotion of the AAUW mission of equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Historically education attainment has served as a significant gateway to equity for girls and women. As a student affairs professional in higher education, Spittler has worked with students of all ages and backgrounds to help them explore and reach their educational and career goals. A past recipient of the AAUW Woman of the Year Award, she has served as co-president, vice president of programs, scholarship committee chair. In 2014, she received the Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence.