Drexel University College of Medicine's Institute for Women's Health and Leadership has named Pennsylvania Horticultural Society President Jane Pepper the 2009 Woman One Award recipient in honor of her distinguished contributions to the community and to the cause of women's leadership.

The Woman One Award is presented annually to a woman of extraordinary leadership by the Institute for Women's Health and Leadership at Drexel University College of Medicine.

"Jane Pepper's qualifications are superb," said Institute Director Lynn Yeakel. "She combines vision with sensitivity in setting an example for other leaders to follow. Like our previous six honorees, she is a model for our 11 Woman One scholars."

Funds raised by the event support medical school scholarships for talented minority women who plan to become physicians in medically underserved communities. Pepper commented on this year's scholarship recipients: "These are amazing young people who deserve our support."

Pepper's commitment to health issues includes service on the Board of Directors for the First Hospital Foundation and the Fox Chase Cancer Center. She is a Fellow of the Garden Writers Association of America, and authored her first book, Jane Pepper's Garden: Getting the Most Pleasure and Growing Results From Your Garden Every Month of the Year, in 1997.

Stephanie Naidoff, last year's Woman One winner, will chair the 2009 event. Past recipients have also included Estelle Richman ('03); Leslie Anne Miller ('04); Dawn Staley ('05); Suzanne Roberts ('06); and Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, MD ('07).