Congratulations to Dr. Penny Ralston, recipient of The Women for Florida State University's 2011 Gift of Wisdom Mentor Award. Ralston is dean emeritus of The Florida State University College of Health and Human Sciences and director of the college's Center on Better Health and Life for Underserved Populations. Ralston was nominated by Florida State alumna Joyce Miles. The pair grew up two hours apart in middle-Indiana farm country, though they did not meet until some years later as home economics and human sciences professionals. Miles' sought out Ralston's experience, and Ralston became her mentor and friend. "When I would attend national meetings, I would watch Penny in action and think to myself what a remarkable young professional she was," Miles wrote in her nomination essay. "She was so poised, so self assured, and all in the room would pay attention when she spoke or weighed in on an issue. She is such a great role model. Today, we owe Penny a debt of gratitude for believing that women do indeed have a special place in philanthropy and especially at The Florida State University," Miles said. Ralston was presented with the award at the The Women for Florida State University's Backstage Pass to the Very Best of Florida State, held March 18-19, 2011. Dr. Penny Ralston