sherry rehman3 400WASHINGTON: Pakistan's ambassador to the United States Sherry Rehman has been picked to receive the prestigious Smith College Medal for her 'extraordinary achievements and outstanding service' to her community.

 

Ambassador Rehman is among five distinguished professionals chosen for the award for the year 2013. Established in 1962 to recognize women who exemplify in their lives and work 'the true purpose' of a liberal arts education, the honor will be bestowed at Rally Day on Thursday, February 21, 2013.

 

Announcing the award, the Smith College hailed Sherry Rehman as a 'fierce defender of women's rights'.

 

The citation also acknowledges her commitment to freedom of the Press in Pakistan. It says Ambassador Sherry Rehman dove into the world of Pakistani politics 'first by writing about key social and political issues and later, by entering politics'.

 

Sherry Rehman graduated from the alma mater in the class of 1985. 'After graduating from Smith, Rehman returned to her country to work at The Herald, Pakistan's leading English news magazine.

 

She became a member of the Pakistan People's Party, was elected to Parliament in 2002 and appointed Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting in 2008.'

 

The respected Massachusetts institution also noted that a year later, when she disagreed with a government move, Sherry Rehman resigned.

 

"Last year, Sherry was appointed Pakistan Ambassador to the United States, a post 'she was born for,' according to the Washington Post.

 

Ms Sherry has b0een recognized with honors including the Freedom Award from the Association of Television Journalists and the International Peace Award from the Human Rights Commission.

 

She is currently chair of the Lady Dufferin Foundation Trust, a nonprofit provider of healthcare to women and children.

 

The other four alumnae include Gail Paster, Class of 1966, Shakespearean scholar; Kay Holekamp, Class of 1973, zoologist and field biologist; Janet McKinley, Class of 1976, global investor and philanthropist; and Anne De Groot, Class of 1978, scientist and entrepreneur.

 

Rally Day is a time for the Smith community to gather, remember the past, look to the future and celebrate student life.

 

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2012

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