CARROLLTON, Texas - Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc., has been named an honoree of the 2017 Distinguished Women Award presented by Northwood University. 

“It’s an honor to be recognized among Northwood University’s Distinguished Women Award recipients, both past and present,” Monson said. “Northwood University is dedicated to developing future leaders of a global free enterprise society and understands the important role that education plays in developing these future leaders. I am excited about meeting the students and being part of this year’s Distinguished Women celebration.”

Created in 1970 by the Northwood University Board of Trustees, the Distinguished Women Award honors role models by recognizing the enormous contributions women make to communities, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and public and private sector services worldwide. Honorees share a dedication to higher education and represent the values Northwood University espouses for its own students: commitment to free enterprise, the partnership of arts and business, and the management of global commerce.  

“For 47 years, Northwood has celebrated leading women who espouse the values we demand of our own students,” said Keith A. Pretty, Northwood University president and CEO. “The Distinguished Women honorees serve as role models for Northwood University students and alumni, and offer dedication to the principles of both higher education and a global, free-enterprise society. We are pleased to recognize the achievements and true leadership of Catherine Monson in her community and in the business world.”

Monson and six other accomplished female business leaders will be honored at the Distinguished Women Award Gala on Nov. 4 in Midland, Michigan.