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FSC holds reception for 
Governor's Points of Light Award recipient 
Cathy Robinson-Pickett promotes HIV/AIDS awareness on campus

LAKELAND, Fla. (June 26, 2003) - Florida Southern College will hold a reception for Cathy Robinson-Pickett, a career HIV educator and advocate who has received the Governor's Points of Light Award for the first week of July. The event takes place July 2 at 11 a.m. in the William M. Hollis Seminar Room. Several local legislators have been invited, and FSC Dean Susan Conner will represent the college. 

The Governor's Points of Light Award, announced weekly, recognizes people who have given exemplary service to the community. "The award is an honor not just for myself but for thousands of Floridians who fight this battle every day," said Robinson-Pickett. "There are over 5,000 new infections in our state every year and we need everyone's help to turn that tide." 

Nineteen years ago, Robinson-Pickett was infected with the HIV virus when she was attacked and raped. Since 1992, she has taken her life experiences on the road, traveling throughout Florida to speak to classes, student assemblies, conferences, and gatherings about HIV and AIDS. At Florida Southern, she has hosted two National AIDS Quilt displays on campus, speaks at student convocations, and teaches classes regularly. 

Robinson-Pickett works extensively on AIDS policy and law, lobbying for patient rights and producing educational videos. She and her husband founded Friends Together, an organization devoted to promoting education and awareness of AIDS. Many organizations have recognized Robinson-Pickett for her service. She has been named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans, a Daily National Point of Light, Young Floridian of the Year (by the Florida Jaycees), and Humanitarian of the Year (by The River Fund). 


About Florida Southern College
Florida Southern is a four-year, private, co-educational liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The college offers more than 40 undergraduate majors and a master of business administration degree accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Located in Lakeland, Fla., the college is home to the largest, single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world. 

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