HARRISBURG, Pa. – Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell and Judge Marjorie O. Rendell, the first lady, today honored Amy Gutmann, president of the University of Pennsylvania, and Kathleen Hall Jamieson, a professor in Penn’s Annenberg School for Communication, as Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania.   Six other noted women were also recognized.

"This year's Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania have done extraordinary work in many different capacities," the governor said.  "Their contributions to Pennsylvania and the nation have come as educators and authors, internationally known journalists, champions for those in need and executives with a focus on building healthy communities.  I am grateful for the work that these women have done on our behalf to strengthen our state and the quality of life for so many residents."

"It is a privilege to honor the dedication and commitment of these extraordinary women of Pennsylvania," the first lady said.  "Their legacy of leadership is making a difference across the state."

Gutmann was recognized for her leadership of Penn and her commitment to increasing access.  Since becoming president in 2004, she has eliminated student loans for eligible undergraduates, increased undergraduate financial aid by 78 percent and helped raise nearly $250 million to date for financial aid for undergraduate students.   

Jamieson is the Elizabeth Ware Packard Professor of Communication at the Annenberg School and director of its Annenberg Public Policy Center at Penn.  She is an expert on political communication and has written 15 books on political science and communication, most recently “The Obama Victory: How Media, Money and Messages Shaped the 2008 Election,” in 2010.

Other honorees are Susan Brownlee, education advocate and non-profit leader; Holly Brubach, internationally known journalist, author and leader in the arts, architecture and design; Dee Delaney, an advocate for children and adults with disabilities in southwestern Pennsylvania; Terry Gross, host and co-executive producer of the interview program "Fresh Air," produced at WHYY in Philadelphia and heard on more than 500 National Public Radio stations; Estelle Richman, chief operating officer at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and former secretary of Pennsylvania's Department of Public Welfare; and Suzanne Fisher Staples, international author and journalist.

To be selected as a Distinguished Daughter, women must be nominated by organizations within the state for accomplishments of statewide or national importance.

The Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania awards began in 1949 as a way to recognize influential women for their leadership, distinguished service and contributions to the state through their professional and/or volunteer service.  To date, 458 women have received the award.

Additional information is available at www.pcw.state.pa.us.