'Celebrating Women Changing History'

Rob Perez said SIUC's celebration of National Women's History Month, which begins today, will not be just about the past. Instead, Perez hopes it will influence the University's future.

"It would be interesting to see what actually needs to be improved to the current conditions on campus," said Perez, a graduate assistant who works with Student Development-Multicultural Programs and Services, which is co-sponsoring the month's activities. Perez said by helping sponsor this event his department would be able to better assess the needs of women at the University and make the necessary changes.

The University will take part with the theme "Celebrating Women Changing History." SIUC students, faculty, staff and the Carbondale community will observe this month with various events on campus including performances, discussions, a reception, a silent auction and a benefit walk. All events are to honor and bring awareness to women. National Women's History Month started in 1978 as a weeklong observance. In 1987, the National Women's History Project petitioned Congress to celebrate women's history throughout the entire month of March and won support. The University has been honoring Women's History Month since 1989.

The first event is a Brown Bag lecture that will take place today in the Student Center Kaskaskia Room. Anne Winston-Allen, author and SIUC associate professor of foreign languages and literature, will be leading the discussion of her work, "Convent Chronicles: Women Writing about Women in the Late Middle Ages." A speaker panel will also discuss "Shattering the Glass Ceiling" at 7 p.m. today in the Student Center Video Lounge. Perez said he was happy his department was contributing to this month's events. "I think women do get short-changed," Perez said. "They don't get the amount of press coverage and discussion of issues of race, sexuality and religion [as men do]."

On Wednesday, a Women's Reception will be held in the Student Center Old Main Lounge from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Perez said this will be a time for people to network and socialize with each other. Tequia Hicks, president of the Undergraduate Student Government, is scheduled to speak at the reception. In association with the Women's History Month several events are scheduled to take place for the "Ninth Celebrate Women Annual Benefit for Women's Scholarships." In addition to raising money for the scholarships, these events will also raise awareness for women in the arts as well as fitness issues. During the seven years that the Women's Scholarship Fundraiser has been active, it has supported more than 80 students, raised over $26,000 and created awareness for women in the arts. The first event of the benefit will begin next Monday. The Campus Walk for Wellness and Women's Scholarships is a two-day event that will commence at 3:45 p.m. at Wheeler Hall. Participants will walk to various locations on campus that will showcase SIUC departments.

One of the groups participating is the Recreation Center, which will allow supporters to take a self-guided tour, a lap on the track or make use of the exercise equipment. The Women's Center will talk about violence prevention and the School of Medicine and Physician Assistant Program will perform health checks. Walkers will pick up a "walk map" when they turn in their sponsor list and donations. From the map they will pick the departments spots that they would like to visit.

Dollean York-Anderson, coordinator of Women's Services, said this was the first year her department would not be participating in the University's Women's History Month. York-Anderson said her office has two employees including herself, and her graduate assistant has been out of the office for a semester due to illness. Financial issues are also a concern. "Our office did respond to some state budget cuts, but the University has been supportive to keep us open," York-Anderson said.

Women's Services usually produces a semester calendar, newsletter, and workshops concerning Women's History Month. York-Anderson has high hopes for this year's events despite the absence of her department's participation. "I would like for women to continue to stay encourage and empowered," York-Anderson said.