Lee University’s Cultural Diversity Committee will host a series of events during the week of March 13-17 to celebrate International Women’s Day.
IWD is recognized worldwide to mark the economic, political, and social achievements of women. Lee began honoring the day in 2008.
“I absolutely love Lee’s International Women’s Week celebrations,” said Dr. Ana Shippey, IWD subcommittee chair. “When we get together to expose evil and injustice and to celebrate life through research and conversations, and when we don’t shy away from discussing difficult topics in light of the Word of God, we are utilizing our intellectual gifts to love God with all our mind, and that is part of what God calls us to.”
A special liturgical service will take place Tuesday in the Lee Chapel at 10:40 a.m., led by La-Juan Bradford, director of Lee’s academic support. Dr. Linda Thompson, professor of music education at Lee, will speak at the service.
The third annual interdisciplinary poster presentation session will take place in the Great Room of the Science and Math Complex on Wednesday from 1-4 p.m. Students from diverse majors including political science, business, anthropology, and mathematics will present on a variety of topics pertaining to women’s issues and equality. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three student presenters.
“Last year I was very impressed with the quality of posters and my desire was that more students would join the conversation this year,” said Dr. Shippey. “We are expecting about 60 presentations this time and will display the 15 best posters in the Squires Library through March 23.”
An awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, March 23, at 6 p.m. announcing the top three.
Rev. Sandra K. Williams, women’s ministries pastor at North Cleveland Church of God, will speak in the Conn Center chapel Thursday at 10:40 a.m.
At 7 p.m. that evening, a panel discussion titled “Black Girl Magic: Stories of Struggle and Empowerment,” led by Associate Professor of Humanities Dr. Mary McCampbell, will take place in the School of Religion Lecture Hall.
All events are free, non-ticketed, and open to the public. For more information about Lee’s International Women’s Day events, contact Dr. Shippey at aalves@leeuniversity.edu or visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/LeeU.IWW.