AUGUSTA — The Maine Women’s Hall of Fame will celebrate 23 years of honoring women at the induction ceremony to be held on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at the University of Maine at Augusta.

During the ceremony, one or two nominees will be honored. Their photographs and citations will be displayed along with previous honorees who have each made a difference in the lives of other women. Organizations and individuals are encouraged to submit nominations of outstanding women for the honor.

In 1990, the Maine Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs established the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame, dedicated to women who have made an outstanding contribution to improving opportunities for all Maine women. The University of Maine at Augusta is a co-sponsor of the Women’s Hall of Fame and has donated display space, open to the public, in the Bennett D. Katz Library on campus. The BPW/Maine Futurama Foundation, a tax-exempt nonprofit organization, is also a co-sponsor.

The three criteria for selection are that woman’s achievements have had a significant statewide impact, significantly improved the lives of women in Maine and have enduring value for women. An independent panel of judges will review the nominations and select one or two inductees. Sponsors will be notified as soon as the selection has been finalized.

The opportunity for schools, businesses, individuals or organizations to nominate a woman for the recognition is available. Nomination forms are available from Sally Ann Parks, chairwoman for Hall of Fame, PO Box 84, Hinckley, ME 04944, 453-6004 or e-mail Marilyn Ladd, [email protected]. Information is available at http://www.uma.edu/mwhof.html and www.bpwmaine.org. Completed nomination packets must be submitted by Thursday, Dec. 1.