ODU Celebrates Women's History Month with a Variety of Activities
Old Dominion University will celebrate Women's History Month in March with the theme "Our History Is Our Strength" and a series of activities highlighting the contributions of women throughout history.
"Riot Grrrl" rocker Kathleen Hanna will give the keynote lecture at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, in the Mills Godwin Jr. Building auditorium. Her talk, titled "Herstory Repeats," will explore how punk rock helped launch a third wave of feminism.
According to ODU Women's Center director Julie Dodd, the stories of women's achievements are integral to the fabric of our history. "By highlighting women's accomplishments and contributions to art, music and activism, we hope to help inspire new generations of women and men to reach for their dreams and to promote justice and equality for all people," said Dodd.
The following is a complete schedule of events for Women's History Month at ODU. Unless noted otherwise, all activities are sponsored by or in conjunction with the Women's Center and are free and open to the public. For more information call 683-4109.
"A Celebration of Women in Music"
Monday, March 14
7:30 p.m.
Chandler Recital Hall, Diehn Fine and Performing Arts Center
The concert will celebrate the musical achievements of women throughout the world. The students of Sigma Alpha Iota, ODU music students and faculty members will perform pieces written and performed by women.
"Our History Is Our Strength" Art Show
Monday, March 21 - Friday, April 1
Opening Reception, Monday, March 21
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Student Art Gallery, South Mall, Webb Center
This exhibition of artwork by ODU students is a visual representation of this year's Women's History Month theme.
A Woman's Worth
Monday, March 21
7 p.m.
James/Lynnhaven River Room, Webb Center
The brothers of Nu Theta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity will honor women who impact our campus and community. Light refreshments will be provided. RSVP to womenctr@odu.edu by March 17.
"That Takes Ovaries"
Thursday, March 24
7 p.m.
North Cafeteria, Webb Center
This event features a collection of real-life stories from women and girls about the gutsy, outrageous, wild and courageous things they have done. From playful to political, "That Takes Ovaries" shares the multicultural, fun and sassy true tales of estrogen-powered deeds. Come ready to share your own story (PAW program).
Feminist Activist Fair
Tuesday, March 29
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
North Mall, Webb Center
Want to get involved? Stop by the Feminist Activist Fair to learn about volunteer, internship and employment opportunities with local organizations promoting social justice, equality and empowerment for women and girls. Co-sponsored by the Women's Center, Women's Studies Department and Friends of Women's Studies.
"Herstory Repeats"
Keynote Lecture by Kathleen Hanna
Wednesday, March 30
7:30 p.m.
Mills Godwin Jr. Building Auditorium
Kathleen Hanna, pioneer of the Riot Grrrl Movement of the 1990s, will discuss how the movement both honored and challenged what has become known as "The Second Wave" of feminism. She will also touch on the importance of intergenerational communication, the mistakes that led to Riot Grrrl's demise and what the renewed interest means in 2011.
Upcoming Event of interest but not related to Women's History Month:
Lunafest: Films by, for and About Women
Monday, April 4
6:30 p.m. reception, 7:30 p.m. show time
University Theatre, 4608 Hampton Blvd.
An evening of short films made by, for and about women. Lunafest was established in 2000 by makers of the Luna bar, a "whole nutrition bar for women," to simultaneously promote women filmmakers, raise awareness for women's issues and support women's nonprofit organizations. All proceeds will benefit The Breast Cancer Fund and the YWCA of South Hampton Roads.
Tickets are $5 with student ID and $10 for general admission. Tickets will be sold at the Campus Information Desk in Webb Center and at the event.
For more information about this event contact Gretchen Edwards-Bodmer at 683-4109 or gedwards@odu.edu.