More than 650 university and community members honored the lives and work of three women Friday at the UA Black Alumni's Phenomenal Woman banquet.

Poet, activist, writer and educator Maya Angelou was one of three award recipients, as well as the evening's keynote speaker.

President Peter Likins said though he had previously read Angelou's works, the banquet was his first opportunity to see her in person.

"It was truly a very special life experience," Likins said. "She is truly a great lady of our time. She has such an overwhelming presence."

Since 1986, the UA Black Alumni group has recognized the contributions of black American women throughout the city, state and country at the Phenomenal Woman banquet. The banquet also serves as the UABA's major fundraiser, enabling the organization to provide scholarships to 30 to 40 students each year.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the women who've made a mark on the black community," Likins said.

Angelou received a standing ovation from the audience when she entered the room.

She led the audience in singing "This Little Light of Mine" and spoke about her life and experiences with both fame and poverty. She used the examples of her grandmother and her uncle to talk about the importance of courage.

"I encourage you to develop courage," Angelou said. "Without courage, you cannot practice any other virtue consistently."

Angelou told the crowd she stopped traveling by air seven years ago, so she made the trip to Tucson from her home in Winston-Salem, N.C., by bus.

Angelou read one of her poems at the 1993 inauguration of President Bill Clinton, becoming the second person in history to read their own poem at a presidential inauguration. She entertained the audience at the banquet with several poems, as well as songs and stories.

"The charge upon us is to let the children know the charge upon them is to make this country better than it is today," Angelou said.

Two other women were also honored at the banquet.

Elgie Mike Batteau received an award posthumously. Batteau was one of the first black American females to enroll at the UA and is thought to be the first black woman to receive a UA master's degree.

She is also credited with helping integrate the Student Union Memorial Center and the UA swimming pool, both of which were closed to black students when she was enrolled.

Another UA alumna, Wyllstyne Hill, was also honored. Hill works at Raytheon as the vice president and chief information officer of information technology.

Psychology sophomore Nikki Martin attended both this and last year's banquet, which honored Saundra Taylor, vice president of Campus Life.

Martin said both banquets were put together well with a lot of people attending, but this year was different because so many people came to see Angelou.

Last year, Angelou sent a video to honor Taylor that was shown at the banquet.

"This year was way better because she was there in person to share her dreams and aspirations," said LaTasha Brown, a communication junior.

Brown said attending the banquet for the past two years has also provided her with motivation to stay focused on school.

UABA President Joice Tinsley summed up the aims of the organization and the theme of the evening: "All that we do and all that we are is to aspire our children to greatness."