Melania Trump Named ‘Woman of Distinction’ By Christian Florida University

The Hill gave more details on Melania's award:

First lady Melania Trump is being recognized by Palm Beach Atlantic University as its Woman of Distinction this year.

A spokesperson for the private Christian school said the award recognizes select women for their “charitable leadership of organizations that support the arts, education, healthcare and other community initiatives.”

The representative said it's the first time the steering committee tasked with selecting honorees has chosen to recognize a first lady with the award. As part of the honor, Trump will also be recognized next month at a Women of Distinction luncheon, which the school has been hosting for more than two decades.

“As a Christ-first independent university, Palm Beach Atlantic emphasizes learning, leadership and service with its excellent academics and character-strengthening initiatives such as its nationally recognized community service program called Workship,” the school spokeswoman said. 

“In fact, Workship, a coined term combining 'work' and 'worship' dates back to the University's founding in 1968,” she continued. “To date, students have provided more than 3.5 million hours of volunteer service to non-profits, schools and churches. Palm Beach Atlantic's emphasis on encouraging the potential of each person aligns with Mrs. Trump’s platform as First Lady.”

According to The Palm Beach Post, the event is scheduled to take place on Feb. 16. The school will reportedly be directing proceeds raised from the event to a scholarship fund for women.

USA Today also said:

Each year for the past 28 years, two women have shared the spotlight as honorees at Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Women of Distinction awards luncheon.

This year, that spotlight will be on only one.

PBAU has announced that first lady Melania Trump is its 2020 Woman of Distinction. She will be the sole honoree at the luncheon, which honors women who have made significant contributions to the community.

“Our first lady, is an exquisite human being, a magnificent wife and life partner, a superb mother and an outstanding first lady, who represents us brilliantly in the United States and worldwide,” said co-chairwoman Eileen Burns. “Melania is a perfect example of a Woman of Distinction and we are most proud to honor her.”

In her role as first lady, Trump focuses on issues affecting children.

In May 2017 she announced the launch of Be Best, her policy initiative that promotes children’s social and emotional health. Its mission is to address issues facing children today by concentrating on three main pillars: Well-being, online safety, and opioid abuse.

Trump has traveled across the country and internationally to highlight programs and people who are dedicated to helping children overcome these modern-day concerns.