The Meredith College Alumnae Association recently presented awards to three alumnae, as part of Alumnae Reunion Weekend, held May 18-20, 2007.

Tony Award-winning actress Beth Leavel, '77, and Dorothy Bass Burch, '88, the longest-tenured female partner at the Raleigh law firm Ragsdale Liggett PLLC, were both honored with the Career Achievement Award.

Leavel first gained national exposure as an understudy to Lucy Arnez in " I Do, I Do," which led her to a role in " 42nd Street," where she appeared in its Broadway production, its National Touring Company and a run in Japan. Later she starred in Broadway productions of "Crazy for You" as Tess and Ellie in " Show Boat." In 2006, Leavel received the Tony Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical, for her work as the title character in "The Drowsy Chaperone." Her work in "The Drowsy Chaperone" also earned Leavel an L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award, an Outer Critics Award and a Drama Desk Award.

Burch is a member of the American, North Carolina and Wake County bar associations and the 10 th Judicial District Bar. She is listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, a directory of top legal professionals designated by their colleagues. She has received a "BV" Peer Review, by the Lexis-Nexis Martindale Hubbell, an indication of an exemplary reputation and well-established practice. In 2006, she was selected as one of The Triangle Business Journal's "Women In Business" award recipients.

The Career Achievement Award is given to an alumna who has dedicated herself to excellence in her profession and has distinguished herself by notable achievement credited to her over a continual period of time.

The Distinguished Alumnae Award was presented to out-going Alumnae Association President Peggy Beale, '77. She is the CEO of the Paxton Company, a marine safety and industrial equipment supplier.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Beale has served as a member of the Meredith College Alumnae Association, and as the alumnae board's president from 2005-07. Her other community contributions include serving as president of the Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, secretary of the American Red Cross's Tidewater Chapter, president of D'Art Center, vice president of the Maury Foundation, which provides scholarships to public high school graduates, and as secretary of the Norfolk Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse.

This award is given to an alumna who has demonstrated extraordinary accomplishments in her career, service to Meredith and service to the community.