By BECKY FLETCHE
Lt. Gov. Olene A. Walker, the first female lieutenant governor of Utah, will be speaking at the Utah Valley State College Utah Centennial Forum at noon today in the UVSC ballroom.
“In Utah, women have a great historical precedence for involvement in government. We were the second state to originally have the vote,” Walker said. “Although we were the 45th state to join the union, the first woman senator was from Utah. With this rich heritage, we should make every effort to encourage women to become competent policy makers.”
Walker has done extensive research on the women of early Utah and the evolution of their rights, said Terry Ann Harward, UVSC student body president. Walker suggested that this research be the topic of the forum. “We’re really excited that she can find time in her busy schedule, especially during the legislative session,” Harward continued. “This is an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to ask the lieutenant governor about issues that will affect UVSC and the state.”
A ten minute question and answer period concerning the state of Utah will conclude her remarks. The discussion might range from women’s rights to educational issues facing the legislature.
Walker obtained her bachelor’s degree from BYU, a master’s from Stanford University and doctorate degree from the University of Utah.
“She is a wonderful example of what women can accomplish,” Harward said.
Walker served as a member of the Utah House of Representatives from 1981 to 1988, serving a term as assistant majority whip and majority whip. She served as a director of the Salt Lake Education Foundation and The Utah Division of Community Development.
She was also the chairperson of the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, the Utah State Homeless Coordinating Committee and the Governor’s Commission on Child Care. In addition, she served on the Constitutional Revision Commission, the Commission on Women and Families, the University of Utah Hospital Board and the KUED Board of Directors.
Under Governor Leavitt, Walker served on the Health Care Reform Commission, the Small Business Advisory Council, Workforce Development Task Force and the Housing Task Force.
Along with all of her career success, Walker is married to Myron Walker and is the mother of seven children.
Following the forum, birthday cake will be served in celebration of Utah’s Centennial. The forum is sponsored by UVSC student government.
