Luncheon presented 17 scholarships to students and Humanitarian Award to Michele Rigby Assad
PALM BEACH, Fla. – Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) hosted its 34th Annual Women of Distinction Luncheon on February 17, recognizing the 2026 honorees, Hilary Geary Ross and Sara McCann. Nearly 400 business leaders and community members attended the celebration at The Breakers. The event also recognized 17 current PBA students who received scholarships.
The luncheon is one of the university’s most celebrated signature events, providing scholarships to PBA students while honoring local leaders who cherish community and family and work to preserve those ideals for others. Thanks to donor generosity, PBA will expand the program to more than 100 scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year.
Amanda Shumacher, 2025 WOD honoree, introduced Hilary Geary Ross. Ross is a Palm Beach resident, author, editor and philanthropist whose impact expands from Palm Beach to New York and beyond. She is the author of two coffee table books, “New York, New York” and “Palm Beach People.” Ross currently serves on the board of the Blenheim Foundation USA, Palm Beach Preservation Foundation and the Trustees’ Council of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
“I’m deeply grateful to Palm Beach Atlantic University and truly humbled by this honor,” said Ross. “Your support and recognition mean more to me than I can express. I’m especially thankful for my husband, Wilbur; my sister Robin; my goddaughter and my dear friends who are sharing this moment with me — your love and presence make this occasion even more meaningful.”
Penny Murphy, 2025 WOD honoree, introduced Sara McCann. A PBA board member and CEO and creative director of Hive Collective. Hive is a collection of brands devoted to luxury products and high-quality services that have helped shape the modern Palm Beach aesthetic. In addition to PBA, her philanthropic leadership in the Palm Beach community spans 25 years.
“I’m incredibly honored to be named a Woman of Distinction,” said McCann. “Palm Beach Atlantic University has been part of my journey from the beginning, not only as a neighbor but as a valued source of team members whose character and work ethic reflect the university’s core values to seek unity, pursue excellence, show respect, reflect love, demonstrate integrity and be accountable. As new organizations continue to move to the area, supporting local institutions like PBA is vital to the overall success of our community. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on this university and the students it serves.”
The celebration featured the third annual Humanitarian Award, which was presented to Michele Rigby Assad, PBA alumna and former CIA Intelligence Officer, for her commitment to international diplomacy, exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to supporting PBA over the years.
The 2026 Women of Distinction Committee members included Frances Fisher, Cathy Flagg, Denise Hanley, Evelyn Mahanes, Ambassador Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Penny Murphy, Sheila Rinker, Joyce Sang, Katherine Shenaman and Laura Titus.
During the ceremony, Women of Distinction Hall of Fame recipients were recognized for their ongoing work across the community and beyond. Among previous honorees present were Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, Lore Morgan Dodge, Diane Ecclestone, Mary Fairbanks Frietas, Frances Fisher, Cathy Flagg, Gay Hart Gaines, Vicki Halmos, Denise Hanley, Michelle Kessler, Ambassador Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Hildegarde Mahoney, Mayor Dani Moore, Penny Murphy, Lois Pope, Sheila Rinker, Helen Ross, Joyce Sang, Amanda Schumacher, Sally Ross Soter, Joanie Vandergrift, and Susan Wright.
SROA Capital and Amanda Schumacher, the benefactor of 50 Schumacher scholarships, served as the luncheon’s Black Diamond sponsors, helping advance PBA’s God-Sized Dreams Campaign. Diamond Sponsors included Frances Fisher, Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Gil Kemp, Wilbur and Hilary Ross, Jim and Sara McCann, and the Old Charles Fund in memory of Jean S. Tailer, 2001 Woman of Distinction recipient.
Palm Beach Atlantic University, founded in 1968, is a private, Christian university, offering 100 different programs and pathways, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. PBA’s mission is to equip students to grow in wisdom, lead with conviction, and serve God boldly. The university affirms the values that have built American society, including religious liberty and the free enterprise system. Learn more at www.pba.edu.
For more information on WOD or to join the President’s Giving Society, visit pba.edu/wod.
