St. Edward's University Professor of Psychology Emma Lou Linn, PhD, will be recognized by the YWCA of Greater Austin as one of eight Women of the Year for 2004. Each winner is recognized in a separate category including business/enterprise, community service, education, government service/public policy, health and human services, science/technology, and young woman of achievement. Linn was honored for her work in education. Recipients were selected based on their contributions in their specific category, as well as exemplifying the YWCA mission of empowering women and girls and eliminating racism.

Contributing to the community is something that comes second-nature to Linn. She has served on the Austin City Council and as president of the Pecan Street Festival. Linn has also been a champion for minorities by participating in marches and sit-ins and ensuring minority representation in the city of Austin.

Linn received her PhD from the University of Texas in 1966. Since coming to St. Edward's in 1971, Linn has twice been recognized for her commitment to education and teaching excellence by receiving the university-wide Teaching Excellence Award. She also received the 2004 Distinguished Teaching Career Award, the highest teaching honor given at St. Edward's. Her areas of expertise include forensic psychology, abnormal psychology and neurobiology. She currently serves as the Psychology program coordinator and teaches a number of courses ranging from first-year courses to senior-level courses, such as General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and History and Systems of Psychology.

"To be recognized as an educator is the biggest honor a person can receive," said Linn. "Education is the best profession because it's like never working. I feel like I've never worked a day in my life."

Linn will be recognized at the YWCA's annual awards gala held at the University of Texas Alumni Center on Friday, Oct. 8. She is the second woman from St. Edward's to receive the honor. School of Management and Business Dean Marsha Kelliher received the YWCA's education award in 2002.