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Urban Studies Professor Dr. Shiko Gathuo Receives the Katharine F. Erskine Award

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Dr. Shiko Gathuo, Professor of Urban Studies and Graduate Program Director, has been named a 2026 recipient of the Katharine F. Erskine Award. The Katharine F. Erskine Award recognizes women who have demonstrated leadership and reached exemplary levels of achievement in their professions and communities. Award recipients show a commitment to the YWCA of Central Massachusetts’ mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Those who know Dr. Gathuo know just how much she is truly deserving of this award for her teaching and mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students, her collaborations with university faculty and alumni, her scholarly and creative work on Kenya and the U.S., and her various contributions to the Worcester community. Dr. Gathuo will be recognized at the YWCA Central Massachusetts Tribute to Women ceremony on September 29th at the AC Hotel Worcester. Congratulations to Dr. Gathuo for this well deserved honor!

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