Story

The Celia M. Howard Story

Celia M. Howard (1876-1950) was well known to the Illinois Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs for her service throughout the years as a National officer, State President (1932, 1933), Chairman of District 11, charter member and President of the Elgin BPW.

Miss Howard received a scholarship to Harvard Law School; however, she was not permitted to attend the then all-male university. She refused to be deterred from the study of law and later received her degree from the John Marshall Law School. She framed the unused certificate of scholarship and hung it in her law office.

Celia Howard completed 40 years of service in the U.S. District Court in Chicago. Respected throughout the legal profession for her judicial mind, her power of concise analysis and her integrity, she was admitted to practice before the Illinois Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh District. She is believed to be the first woman permitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Miss Howard's accomplishments were many with a sincere devotion to humanitarian and civic work, particularly the Red Cross. She was a gentle woman with twinkling good humor. She was resourceful, courageous and endowed with profound understanding of people. She endeared herself to all because of her loving and straightforward simplicity.

It is fitting that this fellowship was named in her honor. Created at the 1948 State Convention, its purpose was to give financial assistance to train well-qualified, mature Illinois women for study in the field of Diplomacy. The Fellowship has since been expanded to include study in International Management, Law and Administration of Justice.

Delegates at the 1949 convention set a goal of $100,000 to be raised by clubs in two years. In 1950 a trust was created and implemented for perpetuating the fund. And that year the first award of $1,000 was made to Mary Winbigler Coriden of Monmouth, Illinois for study at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Miss Howard lived to meet her.

The Celia M. Howard Fellowship Fund Committee has the task of selecting institutions, setting standards, reviewing and interviewing applicants and annually selecting the awardees.

Recipients of the Celia M. Howard Fellowship represent inspiration, integrity, and high purpose. Their contributions can hasten understanding and friendship in a tumultuous world.

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