2016 U of M Women's History Month

'We Can Do It'

Inspired by women of action both in the past and today, the 2016 theme for Women's History Month is "We Can Do It!" In line with the U of M's new motto, "Driven by Doing," and symbolized by modern and diverse "Rosie the Riveters," we ask you to join us in the celebration of women who drive positive change. Help us celebrate these women and their accomplishments by participating in the many events happening during the month of March!  

Kelley Hayes's Artist Statement
Twenty-first century women face not only the same issues as those of their sisters in past decades, but new and evolving challenges, as our world becomes more diverse. The information age has projected us into a new realm of awareness of global inequities. Can a woman of color share equal rights with men, when faced with inequality and racism within her own ethnicity? Can women of majority cultures stand beside them? Can women unite as a sex, supporting such basic dignities as equal pay and physical sovereignty? Can we come to see each other as sisters and daughters, mothers and grandmothers? If so, can we educate our young girls to embrace the power they hold in the world? Can we do it? WE CAN DO IT!

--Kelley Hayes, Senior, English Department

2016 Calendar of Events

Download a one-page PDF >

February 29

Women's History Month Opening Ceremony
11 AM to 1 PM in the UC Atrium

Women's History Month 2016 will open with an event in which diverse faculty and students will engage with the "We Can Do It" theme. This event aims to transform the UC atrium so that students passing through can be informed about Women's History Month events. Students will have the opportunity to do their best Rosie the Riveter for photos, browse a feminist fair, buy t-shirts, and participate in the creation of a feminist sculpture as part of the U of M Art History Museum's project "Do It." Check out photos from the event!
Sponsored by the History Department and the Art Museum of the University of Memphis.

Feminist Issues in the News
7-8 PM in McWherter Library 226

Drs. Amanda Nell Edgar (Communication), Virginia Solomon (Art), Robert Boyd (Journalism), Susan Nordstrom (CEPR), and Ms. Elle Perry will facilitate a discussion about feminist issues (e.g., gender, ability, sexual, racial, economic, environmental, neo-colonialist, body, and age) in that day's New York Times. This event is part of the Feminist Sculpture for Strolling, part of the Do It exhibit at AMUM.
Sponsored by the Art Museum of the University of Memphis.

March 2

Women's History Month Celebration and Info Table
12-1 PM in the Wilder College Union Lobby on the Lambuth Campus

Join us to kick off Women's History Month as several student organizations provide an opportunity to learn, empower, and demonstrate how "We Can Do It!" – celebrate and honor women through the month of March.
Sponsored by Student Services, Campus Activities Board, Student Ambassador Board, Pi Delta Mu.

Women's Self-Defense Workshop
7-9 PM in the Group Fitness Studio, Campus Recreation and Fitness Center

Come and empower yourself by learning practical skills of how to defend yourself against an attack. This event is only open to women.
Sponsored by Campus Recreation and Intramural Services.

March 3

Spa Day at the Relaxation Zone
10 AM to 2 PM in 211 Wilder Tower

Feeling Stressed? Overwhelmed? Join us at the 3rd Annual Spa Day at the Relaxation Zone. All faculty, staff and students are welcome. The Relaxation Zone offers Massage Chairs, Biofeedback program, Guided Mediation and soothing music. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Earle Donelson, Ph.D., at 678-2068 or gdnlson1@memphis.edu.
Sponsored by the Counseling Center.

Women Wanna Dance
12:30-1 PM on the Alumni Mall outside the UC

Come join us for Midday Moves in Women's History Month style as we take a Zumba lesson!
Sponsored by Midday Moves.

March 3-4

Choosing Transportation Summit
See memphis.edu/setwc for date and time details.

The Southeast Transportation Workforce Center will host the second annual Choosing Transportation Summit, which includes the 2-day conference focused on transportation industry trends, increasing diversity in the transportation industry (and specifically representation of women), and leadership development for transportation professionals and the Blue Pump Gala (supporting female students pursuing transportation-related majors at the U of M). For more information, please visit our conference website: https://www.memphis.edu/setwc/conference/index.php.
RSVP required for all events, go to memphis.edu/setwc to register.
Sponsored by the Southeast Transportation Workforce Center, Peer Power, Vaco Logistics, and CN.

SPRING BREAK: March 7-13

March 13

32nd Annual Women of Achievement Reception and Award Ceremony
2 PM Reception, 3 PM Ceremony at the U of M Holiday Inn

On March 13, 2016, the 32nd annual Women of Achievement Reception and Award Ceremony will be held at the Holiday Inn on the University of Memphis campus. The reception starts at 2pm and the award ceremony starts at 3pm. We are celebrating the women of the Memphis area who have made an impact in our community in some way or another, and we need all the attendance we can get.
The cost is $30 for a reservation and the deadline to register is March 9. Payment can be made via PayPal at memphiswomen.org or a check can be made payable to Women of Achievement and mailed to Women of Achievement at 2574 Sam Cooper Blvd., Memphis, TN 38112.
RSVP and payment required: See above for details.
Sponsored by the Memphis Area Women's Council.

March 14

Sip 'N Paint
7-8:30 PM in the Rose Theater Auditorium

Come out for an evening of excitement with Pinot's Palette and the Student Activities Council as we create canvas paintings! Enjoy light refreshments and blue juice.
Sponsored by the Student Activities Council.

March 15

Create a New You: Nutrition for Women
10-11 AM in the UC Beale Room

Come and learn from experts about nutrition updates and information to help you maintain a healthier lifestyle. There will be a Q&A session at the end of the talk.
Sponsored by the Health Education Team.

A Celebration of Women in Literature
7 PM in the Wisdom Parlor of the Varnell Jones Hall on the Lambuth Campus

Come hear readings of women's literary works! We will be focusing on the diversity of the authors and their writings.
Sponsored by the University of Memphis Lambuth Literacy Society.

March 17

Screening of "The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter"
2:30 PM in Mitchell Hall 147

The Graduate Association of African American Historians will be showing the documentary The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter featuring interviews with five women war workers about their experiences and holding a short discussion session afterward. Pizza, snacks, and drinks will be served.
Sponsored by the Graduate Association of African American Historians.

March 18

Lecture: Sex in Ancient Egypt
7 PM in the UC Fountain Room

Come hear an interesting lecture on Sex in Ancient Egypt given by Liz Cummins, PhD with a reception to follow!
Sponsored by the Student Event Allocation Committee and the Egyptology Graduate Student Association.

March 19

Service on Saturday
8:30 AM to 1 PM in the Rose Theater Lobby

Join us for the second Service on Saturday of the semester! Service on Saturday is a program designed to give U of M students, faculty, and staff opportunities to volunteer in the community each month. This month, we have a special site with the Girl Scouts to support Women's History Month. Looking forward to seeing you there!
RSVP required; go to tiny.cc/sosmar.
Sponsored by Student Advocating Service.

Women and Weights
10 AM to 12 PM in the Campus Recreation and Fitness Center

Want to learn how to strength train? Join us for a two-hour seminar covering topics such as how to properly use the weight equipment so it's not intimidating, the importance of lifting weights for women, and how to create a workout!
RSVP required; email manesbit@memphis.edu if you plan to attend.
Sponsored by Campus Recreation and Intramural Services.

March 21

Scrapbook 101
6-9 PM in the UC Fountain View Room

Join us for a night of scrapbooking with alumni and the campus community. Create a "make and take" craft and bring your supplies to stay and crop. Cost is $20 and includes a "make and take," light refreshments and parking in Zach Curlin Garage.
Sponsored by the Alumni Association.

Paving the Way: Sorority Women
7-8:30 PM in the UC River Room

Founders of sorority organizations were pioneers in providing an environment where college women can be successful and reach their full potential. This program reflects on their accomplishments and looks to the future for the success of college women.
Sponsored by Fraternity and Sorority Affairs.

March 22

CROW Faculty Affiliate Research Mixer
11:30 AM to 1 PM in McCord Hall 207

Come see CROW's new space while meeting interesting fellow academics and exploring and discussing what's new in the research realm. Refreshments are provided.
RSVP encouraged; send them to rjclmens@memphis.edu.
Sponsored by the Center for Research on Women.

Tiger Softball vs. Ole Miss
6 PM at the Park Ave Tigers Softball Complex

Come support our Tigers as they take on Ole Miss! See gotigersgo.com for more information.
Sponsored by University of Memphis Athletics.

March 23

Lunch with a Leader
12:30-2 PM in the UC River Room

In celebration of Women's History Month, the University of Memphis will host our fourth Women's History Month "Lunch with a Leader." Female students will lunch with a small circle of professional women, providing an opportunity for honest conversation about navigating career and personal successes and obstacles.
RSVP required; send them to ldgraff@memphis.edu.
Sponsored by Student Leadership and Women in Leadership and Philanthropy.

The Life of Frances Dancy Hooks
3-4 PM in McWherter Library 226

Born and raised in Memphis, Frances Dancy Hooks was a well-known educator and wife of NAACP executive director Benjamin Hooks. Through her work with the NAACP and other organizations, Mrs. Hooks influenced the trajectory of initiatives involving education, poverty, and women's rights here in Memphis and throughout the nation. This presentation will focus on her life as a teacher, activist, and church member, demonstrating how her work at the intersection of African-American and women's civil rights greatly influenced modern women's history.
Sponsored by the University Libraries.

March 24

Senior Symposium Alumni Panel
1-2 PM in the Wisdom Parlor of the Varnell Jones Hall on the Lambuth Campus

Following the theme of "We Can Do It!" a panel of female alumni will share advice with students—especially seniors—about transitioning from undergraduate life to careers and graduate school.
RSVP required; login to TigerLink through Career Services to send yours.
Sponsored by Career Services Lambuth Campus.

Professional Development Seminar for Graduate Students
4-6 PM in the UC Shelby Room (342)

The University of Memphis Graduate School is offering a series of events that will help graduate students prepare for their job search through the professional development seminar series. The March 2016 seminar will highlight the role of women in the work place. In this didactic and interactive session, attendees will gain some background on specific challenges women face and how to best work with women in the workplace. All graduate students are welcome to attend, and a light dinner and refreshments will be provided. Monica Coleman and Dorchelle Spence will be speaking.
RSVP required; send responses to kdckett3@memphis.edu.
Sponsored by the Graduate Student Association and the Graduate School.

Residence Life's Pack the House with Softball
5 PM at the Park Ave Tigers Softball Complex

Come out and help Res Life Pack the House to support Tiger Softball!
Sponsored by Residence Life and University of Memphis Athletics.

Women in Words: A Reading and Panel Discussion
7-9 PM in 456 Patterson Hall

A reading and panel discussion by select English Department faculty and students. Sonja Livingston will read from her new creative nonfiction work, Ladies Night at the Dreamland. The panel discussion will cover issues of publication. Refreshments will be served.
Sponsored by the Department of English.

March 25

The Science of Diversity: How Stereotypes Constrain Us to Cause Achievement Gaps and What We Can Do to Thrive
9-11 AM in the UC Bluff Room

Students, faculty, staff, healthcare workers and members of the community are invited to hear Dr. Purdie-Vaughns (Professor, Department of Psychology, Columbia University; Instructor, Columbia Business School; and Research Fellow at the Institute for Research on African-American Studies at Columbia) talk about ethnicity, stereotyping and other dimensions of diversity in university and applied settings.
Sponsored by the Department of Psychology.

Women and Post-Civil War Racial Violence—The 1866 Memphis Massacre
12:45 PM in Mitchell Hall 200

Join us for free pizza, soda, and a fascinating lecture about the role of women in the 1866 Memphis Massacre given by Dr. Beverly Bond.
Sponsored by the History Department.

March 26

P.A.U.S.E. Women's Conference
9 AM to 3 PM on the 3rd floor of the UC

This annual program hosted by P.A.U.S.E. will feature nine workshops as well as a morning speaker, Ms. Megan Motley, and a luncheon speaker, Ms. Collette D. Honorable, Esq. from the US Regulatory Commission who is a U of M alumna.
Sponsored by Professional Assertive Women of Excellence and the Student Event Allocation.

Recital, Tressa Tiner, soprano; Rebecca Longcrier, soprano
Tiner at 5:30 PM, Longcrier at 8 PM in Music Building 100

Come hear some wonderful performances!
Sponsored by the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music.

March 28 to April 1

Tigers Lift Smart
10-11 AM or 11 AM to 12 PM each day in the Fitness Studio on the Lambuth Campus

Come learn how to strength train using the proper form and learn about the equipment that will help you achieve your strength goals. Contact Alejandro Herrera at aherrera@memphis.edu for more details.
RSVP required; 12 people limit per session, look for a sign-up sheet on campus.
Sponsored by Campus Recreation and Intramural Services.

March 28

I Am ME, Inc.'s Women's Health Forum
5-9 PM in the UC River Room

In honor of Women's History Month, we'll feature experts speaking on domestic violence, body image, mental health, HIV/AIDS, STIs, and other issues that affect women's health. Informational booths and supplemental educational materials will be available.
Sponsored by I Am ME, Incorporated.

March 30

Tigers Guard Up
1:30-2 PM in the Main Gym of the Wellness, Health, and Fitness Building on the Lambuth Campus

Come learn basic women's self-defense!
Sponsored by Campus Recreation and Intramural Services.

April 1

Women's History Month Closing
1-2:30 PM in the UC Ballroom A and B

The Closing is the culmination and final celebration of Women's History Month. Welcome remarks will be presented by President Dr. David Rudd, and will feature Terri Lee Freeman, National Civil Rights Museum President as the keynote speaker. Those women honored by U of M faculty, staff, and students as embodying the spirit of "We Can Do It", this year's theme, will be recognized. A reception will follow.
Sponsored by U of M Diversity Funds; the College of Arts and Sciences; the Loewenberg College of Nursing; the Department of English; the Department of History; the Art Museum of the University of Memphis; the Department of Leadership; the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Research; and the Fogelman College of Business and Economics.

*Unless otherwise stated, all events are free and open to the public.

**Please email whm@memphis.edu with questions.