Women's Studies Alumni Workshop and Reunion
October 7,8,9, 2010
Event Overview:
This event is a reunion of the Women's Studies TAs and faculty from 1972 to 1984, to engage in conversation with the current Denison Women's Studies community. This event is still in the planning stage, but we are really excited about how it is shaping up. We are expecting about 40-50 returning alums to engage with us in an intergenerational conversation about social change. Through a series of meals, lectures, panels, workshops, and other events, we are hoping to have returning alums and faculty engage with current faculty, staff and students. Our goal is to hear from you about how your passion for the rights of women and for women’s studies led to the formation of women’s studies at Denison. We are interested in learning about how your hard work and desire for positive change led to one of the first requirements nationally for a course in Women’s studies or Black Studies prior to graduation.
We also think that it would be fascinating to engage in an intergenerational conversation about feminism and women’s studies. How has the definition of “feminist” changed since 1970? How has the academic discipline of Women’s Studies changed? How has the role of the Women’s Resource Center changed? What issues and problems remain the same?
Our biggest work at this conference, however, will be to think about how we can apply what we have learned from the birth of women’s studies to current concerns at Denison. For example, how can we think creatively and bring about social change regarding environmental sustainability? Violence against women? Queer studies?
We look forward to seeing you on campus and having you join us in this conversation!
WOMEN’S STUDIES ALUMNI CONFERENCE AND REUNION
“About a Decade: 1972 - 1984”
An Intergenerational Dialogue about Social Change
October 7 - 9, 2010
Thursday October 7 (all events for this day to take place in Burton Morgan Welsh Hills Room)
3:00-5:00 Registration for returning alums, allies, and guests
5:00-6:00 Getting Reacquainted‐Who We Are and What We’re Doing
Moderators: Ann Fitzgerald and Joan Straumanis
6:00-6:30 Orientation to the weekend for alums, allies, and guests
6:30-8:30 Dinner with current students and faculty and town hall‐style discussion:
“What Are the Challenges Facing Women and Men on Campus Today?”
Friday October 8
8:30-11:30 Class visits including sessions with current WMST 101 students – Burton Morgan Lecture Hall
11:45-1:30 Lunch and panel discussion: “About a Decade–the Birth of Women’s Studies and Black Studies at Denison: How it Happened Here, In This Place, At That Time.”
Speakers: Ann Fitzgerald, John Jackson, and Joan Straumanis – Burton Morgan Welsh Hills Room
1:45-3:15 Workshops/Conversations
Women in Science: Kristina Mead, facilitator – Knapp 204
Women in the Arts: Ann Fitzgerald, facilitator – Knapp 403
Women in Business: Robin Bartlett, facilitator – Knapp 407
3:30-5:00 Workshops/Conversations
Sexual Violence/Harassment: Joan Straumanis, facilitator – Knapp 204
Sustainability: John Marshall, facilitator – Knapp 403
Queer/Gender Matters: Kim Cromwell, facilitator – Knapp 407
5:30-7:30 Intergenerational Conversation: “Activism on Campus: What is Happening Now, In This Place, At This Time?” Substantial hors d’oeuvres will be provided. – Burton Morgan Welsh Hills Room
7:45-9:00 Film and Discussion: “Growing Up Female” – Burton Morgan Lecture Hall
Saturday October 9
9:00-12:00 Oral history interviews with returning alums; campus tours; and meetings with campus organizations (ongoing) - Burton Morgan Welsh Hills Room
12:30-2:00 Lunch – Burton Morgan Welsh Hills Room
2:00-4:30 “What I Want To Say”‐Speakout (TAs, Current Faculty and Students) Facilitator: Joan Straumanis – Burton Morgan Lecture Hall
5:00-9:00 Closing party and cookout – College Town House
WMST Conference Workshop Descriptions