In honor of Biola’s centennial year and National Women’s History Month, the first annual Ruby Slippers Luncheon held on Wednesday afternoon brought together Biola women and men in celebration of womanhood.

Metzger lawn, where the event was held, was reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz. Although Dorothy and Toto were no where to be found, glitter-studded ruby slipper centerpieces beautified tables and highlighted the event’s theme.

Dove award-winning artist Crystal Lewis performed while attendees enjoyed their meals., The first Ruby awards were presented after the live performance. All three awards, named after Biblical women, honored Biola women who are actively impacting the world.

The Priscilla Ruby Award, for Excellence in Teaching, went to Dr. Shelly Cunningham, Biola professor and Instructional Consultant for the Center for Faculty Development.

The Deborah Ruby Award for Excellence in Leadership and Wisdom, was given to alumnus and founder of Godparents Youth Organization, Tanya Walters.

The last award, The Esther Ruby Award for Godly Obedience and a Serving Heart, was presented to Anna Belle Cook, wife of former president Clyde Cook.

Talbot alumnus Jonalyn Fincher and author of “Ruby Slippers: How the Soul of a Woman Brings Her Home” delivered a special message addressing how women view themselves. Fincher compared women and femininity today with Dorothy and her ruby slippers.

“I think a lot of women see their femininity as…it’s sparkly; it draws a lot of attention, but in the long run it’s sort of inconvenient,” she said.

Fincher shared her spiritual journey of searching for God’s view of women. Demonstrating the various types and roles of women, she pointed out the different styles of ruby slippers on the tables.

The slippers represented God’s creativity in creating a diverse group of women. She concluded true femininity is not what society shows—the real explanation of womanhood is told by God.