Long-time ISU faculty member awarded at state conference

The Indiana Division of Family and Consumer Sciences has honored an Indiana State University faculty member for her long-time work in that field.

Frederica Kramer, chair of the family and consumer sciences department at Indiana State, received the surprise Professional Service Award during the April 22 meeting.

"I knew I won an award, but I didn't know which award," Kramer said. "I was very surprised. I was most surprised when the entire room stood up and gave me an ovation."

The award is given those who have shown exemplary leadership, according to information from the division. That Kramer has done in a profession that she dearly loves.

Kramer obtained her bachelor of science in family and consumer sciences vocational education from ISU in 1967 and then received her master's degree in 1969. In the fall of 1969, she began working at Indiana State. In 1977, she received her doctorate in education from Purdue University.

Although Kramer has won national awards for her work, this one was especially sweet to her.

"Of the 450 in attendance, about half I've had in class and they're alums of family and consumer sciences and alums of Indiana State," she said. "When you're getting ready to retire that makes you feel good that you've made a difference in people's lives."

Kramer has spent 40 years teaching, including the past 20 years serving as department chair.

"Her commitment and service to family and consumer sciences is unsurpassed," according to the division release.

The division provides family and consumer science educators with opportunities to grow, develop and network while strengthening programs throughout the state. Kramer has served in many leadership roles within the organization.

The Indiana Division of Family and Consumer Sciences is an affiliate of the Indiana Association of Career and Technical Education.

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Contact: Frederica Kramer, Indiana State University, chair of the family and consumer sciences department, at 812-237-3297 or fkramer@isugw.indstate.edu

Writer: Jennifer Sicking, Indiana State University, assistant director of media relations, at 812-237-7972 or jsicking@indistate.edu

Photo: http://isuphoto.smugmug.com/photos/272914269_UdE8W-L.jpg

Cutline: Frederica Kramer places an order at a market in Florence, Italy. Kramer leads a group of students and alumni to Florence each year to study at Apicius, International School of Hospitality. ISU Photo/Tony Campbell