As Castleton gears up to participate in the nationwide celebration of Women’s History Month this March, extra excitement surrounds this year’s festivities as the University celebrates it’s 30th anniversary of involvement by featuring an array of on-campus activities, lectures and speakers throughout.
Since 1988 Castleton has proudly highlighted the influence of women through the celebration of Women’s History Month. This year, a variety of events from speakers and discussion panels to the annual Equity Bake Sale will look back on Castleton’s own history over the years and look forward to all the celebrations to come.
“To me, the purpose of the Women’s History Month Committee is to educate the campus community about women and their contributions and bring the campus together to celebrate the same,” said committee member Kelley Beckwith, “For 30 years, we’ve been doing just that. Year after year, our volunteer group comes together with enthusiasm to nominate women to tell their stories, to acknowledge the accomplishments of students and peers, and to sponsor current events that impact or feature women. It’s part of what makes Castleton who we are.”
The past three decades have seen more than 347 events to celebrate women in history, including 22 bake sales, 30 films, 122 Every Woman Has a Story events, and three poetry readings.
“Any program that endures for 30 years in a constantly changing social environment is worth celebrating,” said Associate Dean of Students Victoria Angis. “At Castleton women and men from all political persuasions come together for a month of activities to celebrate the lives and achievements of women, because we believe by doing so we can learn from the past and be inspired by the future.”
Kicking off this year’s line-up will be the Castleton Women’s History Month 30th Anniversary Celebration at 4:30 p.m. at the President’s House on March 3.
Every Wednesday in the Alumni Room of Huden Dining Hall, the highly anticipated “Every Woman Has a Story” will take place beginning at 12 p.m. Over the course of five weeks, a mix of 10 Castleton women, including faculty, staff, and students, will share their personal stories in a 15-minute presentation. A meal plan is not required to attend and all are encouraged to hear the unique tales of Castleton women. A special door rate of $4 per person for lunch will be offered for all guests attending the event.
On March 6 Middlebury College Assistant Professor of Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies Carly Thomsen will present her lecture on “Queering Visibility: LGBTQ Organizing and the Production of Rurality.” Scheduled for March 9, CEO Marguerite Dibble of GameTheory will speak on how her company uses the power of games to seek positive change in the world and open doors for gender equality.
On March 23, the Women’s History Month Committee, in conjunction with the Spartan Shield Society, will host a Women in Athletics and Business Networking night from 5:30-7 p.m. in the 1787 Room of the Campus Center.
In line with the month’s theme of Trailblazing Women in Business, the event will highlight female graduates of Castleton University who have excelled in the fields relevant to sports business. Each speaker will have the opportunity to discuss their personal student-athlete experience and their role in sports business today. Following the panel-style presentations, audience members and alumni will have the opportunity to mix for continued discussions.
In addition to these events, an exciting line-up of various films and entertainment will keep the Castleton community busy all month long. On March 3 female comedienne Ms. Pat will perform her standup routine at 9 p.m., followed by an additional night of female comedy on March 11. Five films, including “The Fits,” “Bad Moms” and “Suffragette,” will also be shown throughout the month hosted in the Campus Center 1787 Room and Herrick Auditorium. Visit castleton.edu/womenshistory.
