Akron, Ohio, Feb. 20, 2008 The University of Akron's Women's Studies Program will host a series of events in March in celebration of Women's History Month. Award-winning journalist Carol Costello will kick off the month with a presentation at the Martin University Center on March 3 at 7 p.m.
"Our month-long series of events, titled 'Women Inspiring Hope and Possibility,' will cover diverse topics such as the space program, feminism, pro-life stereotypes and pro-choice viewpoints," says Patricia Milhoff, director of UA's Women's Studies Program. "We are hopeful that the entire Akron community will visit our campus during Women's History Month.
Co-sponsors include the League of Women Voters and UA's Office of Multicultural Development. All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. For more information, call 330-972-7008.
March 3
Speaker: Carol Costello, 7 p.m., Martin University Center. Costello is an award-winning journalist who began her career as a weekend reporter for WAKR-TV in Akron, went on to anchor CNN Daybreak and now is a contributor to CNN's The Situation Room.
March 4
Red Flag Campaign Kickoff, noon to 2 p.m., Student Union Room 335. Red flags will be displayed to raise awareness and prevent dating violence. The kickoff will include refreshments and a discussion.
Smashing the Stereotype of the Pro-Life Woman program, 5 to 6 p.m., Student Union Room 312. Denise Mackura, executive director and counsel for the Thomas More Society Pro-Life Law Center in Chicago and former director of Ohio Right to Life, will share her views and participate in a panel discussion. Sponsored by UA's Students for Life.
Women of the Year Awards Dinner, 5:30 p.m., Martin University Center. This annual event honors local women for improving the quality of life of those around them. Cost: $50. For reservations, call 330-929-3382. Sponsored by the Women's History Project.
March 5
"Diary of a Stressed Black Woman" program, noon to 1 p.m., Simmons Hall Room 306. Sponsored by the Counseling, Testing and Career Center, this workshop will offer stress solutions. For more information, call 330-972-7082.
Game Show: To Tell the Truth, 7 p.m., Student Union Theatre. Sponsored by the UA Students in Free Enterprise and the UA Research Foundation.
March 6
Women's Health Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Polsky Building, Third Floor. Booths, displays and presenters focusing on women's health issues will be on hand at this fun-filled fair.
"Love Shouldn't Hurt" workshop, 6 p.m., Student Union Room 308. Sponsored by the Counseling, Testing and Career Center, this workshop will provide information and support for those who may be in an abusive relationship.
Women Trailblazers Panel, 7 p.m., Martin University Center. Sponsored by UA's Office of Multicultural Development, this panel will highlight the accomplishments of distinguished, successful and diverse women leaders. For information, call 330-972-6646.
March 10
"Real Beauty" workshop, noon to 2 p.m., Student Union Room 312. This workshop is designed to promote positive body images and healthy self-esteem for young women using Dove's campaign for real beauty.
UA Forum Series: Ann Curry, 7:30 p.m., E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. Sponsored by The Dorothy Garrett Martin Memorial Delta Gamma Lectureship on Values and Ethics. One of the nation's most recognizable female journalists, Curry will discuss the roles and responsibilities of the media in our society, as well as on politics, business and family. Cost is $8 for general admission and $4 for UA students.
March 11
"Body Image, The Media and You" program, 1 to 2 p.m., Simmons Hall 306. Sponsored by the Counseling, Testing and Career Center, this program will teach attendees how to understand media messages and their impact on body image.
Speaker: Jessica Valenti, 7 p.m., Martin University Center. Valenti, the author of Full Frontal Feminism: A Young Women's Guide to Why Feminism Matters, and founder of Feministing.com will speak about life from a young woman's perspective.
March 12
"Creating a Safe Zone: How to be an LGBTQ Ally" program, 1 to 2 p.m., Simmons Hall 306. Attendees will learn how to support the LGBTQ community and help create a safe and affirming campus climate.
Self-defense workshop, 6 p.m., Polsky Red Room. Sponsored by the UA Criminal Justice Association, Officer Joanne Boling of the UA Police Department will teach basic self-defense techniques. This program is for women only. Please call 330-972-8267 to make reservations.
March 13
Women's History Month Luncheon, 11:45 a.m., Martin University Center. Sponsored by Women in Higher Education, this luncheon will honor outstanding UA students.
"Women in Crime: Children of Incarcerated Parents" program, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Student Union Room 312. Sabine Gearhardt, assistant professor of early childhood development, will lead this discussion exploring the challenges faced by children of incarcerated mothers.
Movie: "Jury of Her Peers," 5:30 p.m., Student Union Room 310. A discussion will follow the movie.
March 25
Speaker: Christina Page, 6 p.m., Martin University Center. Page will discuss her book, How the Pro-Choice Movement Saved America: Freedom, Politics and the War on Sex."
Singer: Phyllis Heitjan, 7:17 p.m., Student Union Starbucks. Sponsored by UA's Office of Residence Life and Housing.
March 26
"Interracial Relationships" program, 1 to 2 p.m., Simmons Hall 306. Sponsored by the Counseling, Testing and Career Center, attendees will examine social beliefs and attitudes about interracial relationships, biracial children and learn general strategies for getting along with others.
Self-defense workshop, 6 p.m., Polsky Red Room. Sponsored by the UA Criminal Justice Association, Officer Joanne Boling of the UA Police Department will teach basic self-defense techniques. This program is for women only. Please call 330-972-8267 to make reservations.
Women's Endowment Fund Dinner, 6 p.m., Hilton Akron/Fairlawn, 3180 W. Market St. The guest speaker will be Cleveland Plain Dealer columnist Regina Brett, whose articles covering her battle with breast cancer earned her a prestigious National Headliner Award in 1999. Ticket prices start at $50 per person. For tickets, call the Akron Community Foundation at 330-376-8522.
March 27
"Women in Philanthropy" program, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Martin University Center, Library Room. This is a discussion about managing money and developing philanthropic strategies. For more information, call 330-972-6112.
March 29
"Election Reform" workshop, 9 a.m. to noon, Quaker Square Inn at The University of Akron, 135 S. Broadway St. Co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters Akron Area and American Association of University Women, this free workshop will feature guest speakers Ann Henkener and Peg Rosenfield. For information, call 330-808-4346.
March 31
"Women and the Space Program," 7 p.m., Student Union Room 312. Co-sponsored by UA's Women in Engineering, this talk will show the bottom-up nature of the push for civil rights in employment in the 1970s, and how African-American women in particular, played important bridge roles between historically excluded groups at NASA. Kim McQuaid, a Lake Erie College history professor, will speak.
April 2
Singer: Jessica Sooner, 7:17 p.m., Student Union Starbucks. Sponsored by UA's Office of Residence Life and Housing.