April 10, 2010

Legacy Award:
Given to a woman who is a pioneer in her field, whose volunteer or
career work has impacted the lives of countless girls and women.

2010 Recipient:
RIC professor emerita Dorothy Pieniadz, who describes
education and mentoring as her lifelong passions.

Dorothy R. Pieniadz, Ed.D. of Providence, one of the Founding Mothers of Big Sisters of Rhode Island. Born in Buffalo, New York, she received her B.S. from Buffalo State College, M.A. and Ed.D. from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her professional work and community service embody her holistic approach to learning and she brings that perspective to everything she does. From 1956-69 Pieniadz was the college’s first dean of students. During that time, she initiated many new student activities on and off campus. She later joined the faculty of the college’s Department of Philosophy and Foundations of Education and retired in 1987.

She was appointed professor emerita of foundations of education following her 31-year career at RIC. Then-college president Carol Guardo cited her for the impact she made on generations of RIC students and for her “pioneering work” as dean of students as well as her service on numerous committees and service organizations connecting the college to the surrounding community. An avid traveler and student of culture, from 1974 to 1982 students enjoyed the one month summer study and travel program at the Jagiellonian U. in Cracow, made possible through collaboration with the Kosciuszko Foundation.

In 1957 a chapter of Zonta International was established in Providence. By 1966 she and her like-minded friends and colleagues were mindful of the need for mentors of young girls. Following a visit by the Boston Big Sisters representative and that guidance established the local chapter we celebrate today. We owe special gratitude to Family Services, the sole agency willing to share their offices and services with us until 1985.

1. First woman recipient of the Kappa Delta Pi Foreign fellowship
2. Member of Kappa Delta Pi and Pi Lambda Theta, honorary women in education
3. Leader for Experiment in International Living student groups
4. Past President and Board member of Narragansett Council of Campfire Girls
5. Past President and 45th year of service on Federal Hill House Board
6. Founding member of the RI Polonia Scholarship Foundation
7. Listings include Who’s Who in American Education, Who’s Who of Notable Women,
   Who’s Who in the East, North Americans of the Bi-Centennial East

Big Sisters of Rhode Island is committed to positively impacting the lives of at-risk girls. Our mission is to reduce each child's vulnerability and enable her to thrive emotionally, socially and academically; to help her grow into a strong and confident young woman ready to reach her full potential.

Contact: Donna Mac, Community Outreach Coordinator
DonnaMac@BigSistersRI.org