PORTLAND — The Oregon Commission for Women has announced the winners of the 2006 Women of Achievement Awards. Among them is Cherri Pancake, an Oregon State University professor.

Pancake, along with fellow honorees Joan Palmateer and Donalda Dodson, will be honored at the 22nd annual Women of Achievement Awards dinner Oct. 14 at the Lloyd Center DoubleTree Hotel in Portland. A silent auction and reception begins at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and an awards ceremony at 7.

Pancake, an engineering professor at OSU, has promoted women and minorities in engineering. In her many advisory and research roles, Pancake has consistently challenged groups of scientists and engineers to look beyond their own communities for new ideas and approaches, championing diversity of all types (geographic, cultural, socioeconomic and disciplinary, as well as ethnic and gender), according to award organizers.

Palmateer began her career as a correctional officer in 1980 and advanced to the top of this traditionally male-dominated field. In addition to mentoring other women and increasing opportunities for women working in corrections, Palmateer recognized that the system, designed for males, was not meeting the needs of women inmates. She has pioneered innovative programs in Oregon’s prison system that will benefit future generations.

Dodson has been a long-time advocate for women, beginning her career as a public health nurse doing home visits for women and families and later playing a key role in shaping policies for women through advocacy on boards, commissions, advisory groups and as a director of county and state maternal and child health programs.

These three women were selected based on leadership, success in their areas of expertise, promotion of the status of women and commitment to equality and diversity. During two decades, the Commission for Women has honored 54 women from all walks of life, including homemakers, an astronaut, businesswomen, politicians, community advocates and tradeswomen.

The theme of this year’s dinner is “Transitions: Looking at our past and getting excited about our future.” The theme was chosen to highlight the commission's advocacy for women.

Since 1964 the Oregon Commission for Women has worked on behalf of the state to advance the status of women. The commission’s work includes advocacy, outreach, education, information and referrals.

Tickets to the 2006 Women of Achievement Awards dinner are available for $50 by calling 503-378-2139.