Womens conference on tap at CEU

By Sun Advocate

Co-host of Utah’s number one rated morning show, “Utah’s Morning News with Grant and Amanda,” on KSL Newsradio, Amanda Dickson will keynote College of Eastern Utah’s 29th annual women’s conference on April 4 in the Jennifer Leavitt Student Center.
Dickson’s show provides Utah listeners with up-to-the-minute news, traffic, weather and sports. The show’s lively banter and genuine appeal are credited to Dickson’s energetic enthusiasm and witty style. Before becoming a co-host on the morning show in 1993, Dickson was a law student who started at KSL radio as a weekend host, interviewing local newsmakers and personalities. In 1996, she left KSL to practice law. After realizing that it simply wasn’t in her personality to be a fighter, she returned to KSL Radio where her true passion lies.
Complimenting her enthusiasm and desire to make a difference, Dickson contributes much of her time to the local community. She is a much sought after speaker, inspiring and motivating groups and acting as a master of ceremonies for events for schools and non-profit organizations.
She sits on the board of the National Kidney Foundation of Utah, the National Advisory Board for Hale Center Theatre, and the governor’s committee for the employment of people with disabilities. The Salt Lake Olympic Committee asked Amanda to host the closing ceremonies pre-show at Rice-Eccles Stadium in 2002, saying they felt she best represented the spirit of Utah.
Dickson earned her bachelor of arts degree in English and her jurist doctorate at the University of Utah. She has also taught mass communication law at the school, becoming a favorite professor among the students. In her private time, she enjoys jogging, writing, cooking and is a voracious reader. She reviews a new bestseller each week on her “Book Beat” feature.
Dickson is married and the step-mother of three wonderful children ages 14, 17 and 18. She also looks after her two children Ethan age 2, and baby Aiden.
In addition to all this, Dickson’s first book came out last fall, Wake Up to a Happier Life which will be available for purchase at the conference.
She does it all starting each morning at 3 a.m. Her boundless energy, infectious laugh and passion for life has made her one of Utah’s most recognized and beloved personalities.

Besides Dickson, the keynote of the morning session is Huntington City Mayor Hillary Gordon. Born in London, England in 1944, Gordon came to the United States in 1964 and worked as a beautician in Salt Lake City. She met Brent Gordon and married in 1965 and moved to Huntington where she continued to work as a beautician while raising a family of four.
She started Gordon’s Nursery in 1984 at her residence and when it outgrew its location, moved to its current location in 1995 on U.S. 10. She joined the Huntington City council and served six years as a council person. She was appointed as mayor in July 2007, three weeks before the Crandall Canyon mine disaster.
Gordon has worked to help support the families, served on the governor’s mine safety commission to help improve conditions for the miners and currently is working to help the monument effort to be completed this year.
During the conference nine workshops are offered including Troy Christenson’s “Comfortable Designs,” and “Careers at Any Age,” Bill Gigliotti’s “Jump Start Your Life,” Ethan Migliori and Martha Wunderli’s “Financial Tips and Tools for Women,” Erica Kardelis and Wayne Woodward’s “A Better Night’s Sleep,” Dr. Karen Radley’s “You and Your Skin: A Look at Skin Damage, Aging, Cancer and Laser Therapy for Treatment,” Pam Sharp’s “Gorgeous Gardens in not so Gorgeous Soil,” DEl Beatty’s “Bring Sparkle into your Relationships” and Kathy Brandon’s “Smart Women, Smart Investments.”
The 2008 Outstanding Woman of Southeastern Utah will be named after the luncheon by the 2007 winner, Mae Aguayo.
For more information or registration material for the conference contact Geniva Brooks at 613-5266.