Women's Studies at Aquinas College

All programs presented by the JHI Women's Studies Center are on campus, free, and open to the public unless specified otherwise. For more information on any of these programs please call the JHI Women's Studies Center at (616) 632-2979.
 

Spring 2016

Resourceful Women Conference 
Luncheon Keynote:  Judge Sara Smolenski on Women & Mentoring
Saturday, March 19
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Upper Donnelly Center

Featuring undergraduate research and creative projects on women and gender from both Aquinas College and other area colleges, this biennial conference is keynoted by community leader and Kent County Chief Judge Sara Smolenski on the role of mentoring in developing women’s leadership – a fitting topic, as students presenting at the conference are paired with faculty mentors.   Conference proposals accepted via the Women’s Studies Center website in January 2016:   

"Same Ol' New Beginnings":  An album of poetry with instrumentals
with Michaeleen Kelly
Friday, April 8
7:30-9 p.m.
Cook Carriage House, Moose Café

Dr. Michaeleen Kelly, Professor of Philosophy at Aquinas, will perform poems from her second album and speak briefly on the process of collaboration between poets and musicians.  Co-sponsored by the Humanities Program.

"Hope in the Midst of Crisis: Laudato Si' and the Call for Moral Reflection on Transforming Systems"
Sr. Patricia Daly, O.P., 
Wednesday, April 13
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Wege Ballroom

Just in time for tax season, Sr. Pat Daly comes to Aquinas to speak on corporate responsibility and socially responsible investing, an area in which she has worked for over 35 years.  Executive Director of the Tri-State Coalition for Corporate Responsibility in 

Montclair, New Jersey, an organization of 40 Roman Catholic Dioceses and Congregations of Women and Men in the New York metropolitan area, Sr. Pat is also a founder of Campaign ExxonMobil and has negotiated with companies on issues of human rights, labor, ecological concerns, militarism, equality, health and tobacco, and international debt and capital flows.  She has lectured internationally and has been featured in a variety of news outlets including The New York Times, CNN, 60 Minutes, The Star Ledger and NPR.

Sister Patricia Daly, OP, Executive Director of the Tri-State Coalition for Responsible Investment will speak about her decades of experience in Socially Responsible Investing, “where the rubber meets the road” on Catholic Social Teaching.  In collaboration with members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, she has been working with corporations and investors to transform economic and corporate systems to promote justice in areas such as global climate change, labor rights, and financial practices.  A passionate advocate for action on climate change, Sister Pat will discuss the new moment that Pope Francis’s Encyclical Laudato Si’ presents in our work. In its call for moral reflection on how we live our lives and engage with economic systems, there are implications for corporate behavior and the role of investors in advancing integral ecology, as well as our own individual lifestyle choices.

The Trials of Spring: A Film and Discussion of Women's Roles in the Arab Spring Uprisings
Discussion led by Dr. Deborah Wickering
Tuesday, April 19
7 - 9 p.m.
Loutit Room, Wege Center

Join the Jane Hibbard Idema Women's Studies Center for a screening of the much-discussed new film by Abigail Disney -- documenting women's largely untold roles in the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011 through the story of 24-year-old Hend Nafea, who was arrested and tortured for demonstrating peacefully in Cairo's Tahrir Square.  Post-film discussion led by Anthropology and Women's Studies Professor Dr. Deborah Wickering, who has taught Aquinas' course in Arab Women for many years.  For more on the film, see:  http://www.trialsofspring.com/about

Spring 2015
"Pages in the Family Album: Dominican Art Through the Ages"
Tuesday, January 27
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Loutit Room, Wege Center 
Speaker: Marie Celeste Miller, OP
Beloved retired Aquinas art history professor, Sister Marie Celeste, will talk on traditions in Dominican art, a lecture that is part of campus’ St. Thomas Aquinas Week celebrations. Refreshments provided.
 
Equality Bake Sale
Monday, February 16
Hours: AB Lobby 9 a.m. - Noon, Library Lobby 3 - 5 p.m. and 6 - 9 p.m. 
The Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center’s annual bake sale illustrates the current gender wage gap – women still earn an average of seventy-seven cents for every dollar men earn in the workplace – by charging women 25% less.  Funds are donated to a local women’s shelter.
 
Fourth Annual Women & Environment Symposium
Topic: Environmental Justice
Wednesday, February 25
3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Loosemoore Auditorium at the downtown GVSU campus
This annual, large-scale meeting focuses on the overlap between women's issues and environmental issues and draws participants from across the region, including academics, activists, business, and community leaders. Past keynote speakers for the symposium have included noted biologist, author, and activist Dr. Sandra Steingraber and Los Angeles environmental leader and Director of LAANE Roxana Tynan.
 
Fall 2014
Saint Stock
Wednesday, September 3
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center
The Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center joins Campus Life and other campus and community groups at Aquinas’ annual “Welcome Week” resource fair for student organizations as well as local businesses, faith communities, and non-profit groups. >More on Saint Stock
 
Self-Defense Workshop
Tuesday, September 16
7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Donnelly Center
Safety and Self-Defense Solutions
Stephanie and Matt Meade, founder of Safety and Self-Defense Solutions (SSAS) of Grand Rapids, lead an interactive self-empowerment workshop. Registration required through the JHI Women’s Studies Center.  Co-sponsored by Campus Safety.
 
The Clothesline Project
Monday-Friday, October 6-10
All Day
Location: Lower Level, Wege Center
The Clothesline Project, begun in 1990 in Massachusetts, displays t-shirts supporting survivors of domestic violence.  Hung on a clothesline, the shirts serve as public testimony to the problem of violence against women worldwide.  This year’s display includes t-shirts created by Aquinas community members.
 
"The Neurobiology of Trauma"
Monday, November 10
7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Wege Center Ballroom
Speaker: Rebecca Campbell, Ph.D.
Dr. Rebecca Campbell, professor of Ecological-Community Psychology at Michigan State University and faculty member on the Research Consortium on Gender-Based Violence, addresses how psychological and neurobiological research on trauma, such as sexual assault, impacts victims’ behavior. Campbell further outlines the implications of this research – that is, how police, prosecutors, juries, healthcare providers, lawmakers, and even advocates can respond to victims in well-informed ways. Campbell’s book, Emotionally Involved: The Impact of Researching Rape (Routledge, 2002), won the 2002 Distinguished Publication Award from the Association for Women in Psychology, and she received the 2002 Emerging Leader Award from the Committee on Women in Psychology of the American Psychological Association, as well as the 2006 Scientific Achievement Award from the International Association of Forensic Nurses. Co-sponsored by the Department of Psychology, Campus Ministry, Campus Safety, the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, and Student Affairs. 
 
"The Code:  The Meaning of Physical Aggression to Girls of Color from Impoverished, Urban Neighborhoods"
Speaker: Dr. Susan Haworth-Hoeppner
Wednesday, December 10
12:15 to 1:15 p.m.
Location: Donnelly Center
Dr. Susan Haworth-Hoeppner, Associate Professor of Sociology at Aquinas and recipient of the 2014 Jane Addams Outstanding Service Award from the Midwest Sociological Society, will present her research on how physical aggression is understood by girls of color attending urban high schools in impoverished areas.  Haworth-Hoeppner's work explores the potential role of "the code of the streets" - described by Elijah Anderson as unwritten rules governing interactions in poor neighborhoods - and is derived from a preliminary analysis of data from focus groups and surveys in connection with an ongoing research project on girls and aggression.
 
 
Spring 2014
“Reflections on Dominican Values, Activism, and Social Justice”
Speaker: Barbara Hansen, O.P.
January 28
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Loutit Room, Wege Center 
Honoring St. Thomas Aquinas week, Hansen reflects on the her life as a Dominican Sister and her social justice work.
 
Women and Environment Symposium
February 7
Time: All Day
Location: Grand Valley State University Eberhard Center, downtown campus
GVSU and WMEAC host the region’s only large-scale meeting focused on women and the environment with both local environmental leaders and members of the academic, activist, and business communities.

“Translation and Interpretation: A Gender-Neutral Profession?”
Speaker: Brandie Brunner
February 11
Time: 7 to 8 p.m.
Location: Wege Center Ballroom
Independent French linguist and contract interpreter for the U.S. State Department considers the question of gender neutrality in the field of linguistic translation and interpretation.
 
Sisters of Selma Film and Discussion
March 18
Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
Location: Loutit Room
Speaker: Elizabeth Chamberlain
For Women’s History Month, local historian and Aquinas professor Chamberlain contextualizes the film Sisters of Selma - documenting the Catholic nuns who joined in the struggle for civil rights in Selma, Alabama in 1965 - and leads group discussion after the film.
 
Resourceful Women Conference
March 29
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Donnelly Center
The biennial conference features student scholarship on women and gender from across campus.
 
12th Annual Outstanding AQ Woman Awards
April 30
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Wege Center Ballroom
This yearly awards ceremony celebrates the wonderful women of Aquinas with a luncheon. Nomination forms for outstanding Aquinas faculty, staff, and students will be available through the Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center several weeks prior to the event.
 
Fall 2013
“Academic Careers in the Geosciences: One Woman's Perspective”
October 7
Time: 7 to 8 p.m.
Location: Wege Ballroom
Speaker: Julie Winkler
Winkler, geography professor at Michigan State University and president of the Association of American Geographers, shares her experiences as an academic in the field of geosciences.
 
The Clothesline Project
October 7 through 11
Time: All Day
Location: Lower Wege
The Clothesline Project, begun in 1990, displays personalized t-shirts dedicated to the survivors of domestic violence in communities worldwide. Hung on a clothesline, the shirts bear witness to survivors’ experience of violence and to the support of their families and loved ones.
 
Men in Action Conference
October 11
Time: All Day
Location: Grand Valley State University Allendale Campus
Keynote Speakers: Byron Hurt and Michael Kimmel
Hosted by Grand Valley State University’s Men in Action organization and the GVSU Women’s Center, this conference works to create cultures free from violence, particularly men’s violence against women. Keynote speakers are Kimmel, a sociologist and leading researcher on men and masculinity, and Hurt, an activist and creator of the award-winning documentary film HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes.
 
“Food Sovereignty: Environmental Justice in Native America”
Speaker: Winona LaDuke
November 12
Time: 7 to 8 p.m.
Location: Wege Ballroom
Internationally known activist, author, and founding director of Honor the Earth, LaDuke presents on environmental justice in Native America. Co-sponsored by Aquinas’ Center for Diversity & Inclusion with support from the Center for Sustainability, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, and West Michigan Environmental Action Council.
 
Spring 2013
The Dominican Sisters: Women Religious in Mission
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
St. Thomas Aquinas Week
Speaker: Sister Maureen Geary, Prioress of the Dominican Sisters-Grand Rapids
12:30 p.m., Wege Center Loutit Room
 
The Equality Bake Sale
Thursday, February 14, 2013
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., AB Lobby
 
Women and Men's Work: Building a People-Centered Food System
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 
Speaker:  Cornelia Flora
7 p.m., Donnelly Center
 
“Meet the Professionals:  A Conversation with Financial and Legal Specialists”
Wednesday, April 10, 2013 
Panel:  Rachel Mraz (Moderator), Wealth Management Advisor, Merrill Lynch; Wendy Holtvluwer, Estate Planning Attorney, Miller Johnson; Raquel Salas, Business Attorney, Avanti Law; Connie Thacker, Divorce Attorney, Rhoades McKee; Rhonda Huismann, CPA, Crowe Horwath
7 p.m., Wege Center Loutit Room
 
AQ Outstanding Women Awards
Wednesday, April 24, 2013 
11:30 a.m., Donnelly Center
 
Fall 2012
Gender and Body Modification
Speaker: Margo DeMello
Thursday, September 13, 2012
7 p.m., Wege Center Ballroom
 
The Clothesline Project
October 8-12, 2012
The Wege Center Lobby
 
The Money Therapist is in the House
Speaker:  Marcia Brixey
Monday, November 5, 2012
7 p.m., Wege Center Ballroom
 
Spring 2012
Mother and Daughter: A Creative Approach to the Grieving Process
Speaker: Ms. Theresa Thome
January 19, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Wege Center Loutit Room
Writer and performer Theresa Thome will talk about the topic of grief and how she used journaling to grieve her mother’s death. Thome turned her journal entries into a monologue, which she will also perform.
 
Women and the Word
Speaker: Dr. Diane Maodush-Pitzer
January 25, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Wege Center Loutit Room
St. Thomas Aquinas Lecture Series
Dr. Diane Maodush-Pitzer is a professor of Liberal Studies at Grand Valley State University. She will discuss how, for years, the work of Biblical translation and interpretation was guided and guarded by male scholars and clerics.  Recent years have witnessed the rise of both female scholarship and feminist theology which alongside of the "new discovery" of ancient texts, has presented exciting new ways to imagine gospel transformation within the church.
 
Equality Bake Sale
February 14, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Academic Building Lobby
On average, women make 77 cents per dollar that men make in the workplace. To demonstrate this wage gap inequity, men pay 25% more than women for baked goods at the Equality Bake Sale. Imagine if all prices for goods reflected the gendered wage gap. 
Proceeds will go to a local women’s organization.
 
The Slave Across the Street
Speaker: Ms. Theresa Flores
February 23, 7 to 8 p.m., Wege Center Ballroom
She is the spokeswoman and Director of Education and Training for Gracehaven House, which is rehabilitation home for young girls who are survivors of human trafficking. Ms. Flores details her own story as a survivor of human trafficking in her memoirs The Slave Across the Street and The Sacred Bath. Ms. Flores speaks on human trafficking in the U.S. and her S.O.A.P. Project (Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution) as a rescue effort for young girls being trafficked in the U.S.
 
Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry
Speaker: Ms. Stacy Malkan
March 21 - Lunch talk at Noon, Evening lecture at 7 p.m.
Author Stacy Malkan, in her book, Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry, exposes the ugly side of personal care products, many of which people use every day. With her “Campaign for Safe Cosmetics,” and “Not Too Pretty” report, Ms. Malkan reveals the harmful chemicals used in more than 70 percent of the products tested.  She also offers ways that everyone can become involved in advocating for healthy personal care products.
Sponsored by the Jane Hibbard Idema Women's Studies Center and the Center for Sustainability at Aquinas College.
 
Resourceful Women’s Conference
Keynote Speaker: Ms. Kelly Dittmar '05
March 31, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donnelly Center
This is an inspirational and educational two-day conference. Students are able to submit academic papers, projects, exhibits, performances, and articles on the topic of gender issues, from which a winner will be chosen and given a monetary prize. Keynote speaker, Aquinas College alumna Kelly Dittmar, will discuss women’s involvement in politics, in her talk “From the Sidelines to the Senate: Women in American Politics.”
 
AQ Outstanding Woman Awards
April 25, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Donnelly Center
For this 10th annual event, celebrate the outstanding female students, staff, faculty, and alumnae of Aquinas College, who have made significant contributions and accomplishments on campus and in the community.
 
Fall 2011
A Conversation with Nicholas Kristof
Speaker: Mr. Nicholas Kristof
September 26, 4 to 5 p.m., Wege Center Ballroom
New York Times columnist, Nicholas Kristof, will make brief comments about his book, Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. He and co-author, Sheryl WuDunn, detail the oppression of women in Africa and Asia, and demonstrate that the emancipation of women is the key to fighting poverty. A question and answer session will follow.
 
Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide
Speaker: Mr. Nicholas Kristof
Hosted by the Woodrick Diversity Learning Center
September 26, 7 p.m., Fountain Street Church
 
Of CSIs, Profilers and Forensic Scientists: The Women in TV's Lab Coats
Speaker: Dr. Colleen Coughlin
October 6, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Wege Center Loutit Room
Dr. Colleen Coughlin, professor of Popular Culture at Davenport University, discusses her research on gender and crime dramas on television. In her talk, she focuses on eight different hour-long programs which include scientific investigations; and she engages in an in-depth analysis of some of the female characters. Specifically cast members from Criminal Minds and NCIS, to offer up some beginning answers to questions about women's depictions in these shows.
 
Clothesline Project
October 24-28, on display in Lower-level Wege Center
The Clothesline Project began 1990 to address the issue of violence against women. Women who have experienced violence express their emotions by decorating a t-shirt, which is then hung on a clothesline for public display as a testimony to the problem of violence against women and to provide an avenue for survivors to break the silence that surrounds their experience. The Clothesline Project is organized by the YWCA and is present in over 500 communities and several countries world-wide.
 
WASTED: Coming Back from an Addiction to Starvation, My Journey through Anorexia and Bulimia 
Speaker: Ms. Marya Hornbacher
November 2, 7 to 8 p.m., Wege Center Ballroom 
November 3, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Donnelly Center
Marya Hornbacher is a best-selling author and mental health advocate. Her presentation is based upon her memoir, entitled Wasted, detailing her journey in battling an eating disorder. Ms. Hornbacher will also discuss how eating disorders result from a cultural ideal of thinness as the perfect body type, and she will challenge her audience to consider how they are involved in our eating-disordered culture, and what changes they can make in their own lives.
 
Spring 2011
Thursday, January 27 
“Hildegard of Bingen”
One woman production of the life of a Christian mystic, who was filled with creativity, industry, music and influence performed by Linn Maxwell. 
Sponsored by JHIWSC and Campus Ministry.
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Kretschmer Auditorium, Art and Music Center
 
Monday, February 14 
“Equality Bake Sale”
Men pay 25% more than women for tasty baked goods to illustrate the injustice of the current wage gap: 77 cents for every dollar. Social awareness never tasted so good.
Time: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: AB lobby (Academic Building)
 
Thursday, February 24 - CANCELED
“The Other Side of Paradise: An Evening with Staceyann Chin”
Staceyann Chin’s slam poetry is blunt, beautiful, and coming to Aquinas! Originally from Jamaica, Chin focuses on dozens of issues ranging from environmental activism to gender equality. Experience her art!
 
Tuesday, March 22 - CANCELED
“Art With Purpose: A Lecture by Sarah Scott”
Sarah Scott, an inspiring artist from the Heartside District, uses her art to heal and reach out to women in her community. Hear about her unique social applications of art and her experiences as a female artisan.
Time: 6 to 7 p.m.
Location: Donnelly Center 
 
Wednesday, April 13 
“Gendered Politics, Gendered Strategy? Men, Women and Political Campaigns”
Hear about Aquinas grad Kelly Dittmar's research on gender and political campaigning, investigating differences in men and women's strategies and experiences on the campaign trail.
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Loutit Room, Wege Center
 
Fall 2010
Tuesday, September 21
“Out of the Basement and Into Success: One Woman’s Journey to Becoming an Attorney Referee”
Debbie Autman shares about her successful career in the legal field, personal anecdotes, and court room drama.
Time: 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Loutit Room, Wege Center
 
Wednesday, October 6
“Eyes Wide Open: A Lecture by Sarah Strong”
As Managing Director of the Not This Girl.com, Sarah Strong reaches out to those facing with domestic violence. NTG extends support to those affected by domestic violence through empowerment, offering a bridge to resources, creating awareness and advocating for change.
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Loutit Room, Wege Center
 
Tuesday, October 12
“Strong Women”
A performance by Still Point Theater featuring poetry written by women incarcerated in Cook County Jail. This inspiring piece explores, in the women’s own voices, the shock of arrival, the experience of incarceration and abuse, leaving family behind and the quest to grow as a person and eventually release long-held fears.
Time: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Wege Center Ballroom
 
Wednesday, October 27
“Susan Douglas Salon”
Students and faculty from Grand Rapids area colleges discuss selections from Susan Douglas’ book, Enlightened Sexism, in preparation for her visit to Davenport’s campus on November 8. 
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Loutit Room, Wege Center
 
Monday, November 8 
“Susan Douglas Speaks on Enlightened Sexism”
Sponsored by the West Michigan Women’s Studies Council
Time: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Lettinga Auditorium, Sneden Center, Davenport University
 
Tuesday, November 9 
“Young Feminists and The Future”
A panel discussion featuring young feminists of today. Listen to the unique experiences of young women living as feminists in contemporary society. Hear them speak about the Third Wave, and how feminism affects all of us.
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Loutit Room, Wege Center
 
Thursday, November 18 
“And Your Petitioners Will Ever Pray": The 1830's Women's Campaign against Indian Removal, 
a lecture by Dr. Amy Dunham-Strand. 
Dr. Amy Dunham Strand will share accounts of early feminist activism! Petitioning was one of the first ways women raised their voices against governmental inequality.
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Loutit Room, Wege Center
 
Thursday, December 2 
“Pray the Devil Back To Hell”
The documentary chronicles the story of the courageous Liberian women who came together to end a civil war in their country.
Time: 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Loutit Room, Wege Center
 
Saturday, December 11 
“Do-It-Yourself Workshop with Artist Madeline Kaczmarczyk”
Time: 3 to 5 p.m.
Location: Loutit Room, Wege Center
 
Spring 2010
Thursday, January 28
“Catherine of Siena: A Woman For Our Times” 
A one-woman play performed by Sister Nancy Murray, O.P., Adrian Dominican 
In Celebration of St. Thomas Aquinas Week 
Co-Sponsored by Campus Ministry 
Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Wege Center Ballroom
 
Friday, February 5 through Sunday, February 20
“The Clothesline Project: Bearing Witness to Domestic Violence” 
Location: Wege Center, Lower Level
 
Friday, February 12
“Equality Bake Sale: Highlighting the Continuing Gender Income Gap”
Time: 9 a.m. to 5p.m.
Location: AB Lobby
 
Tuesday, February 23
"Women and Sustainable Development:Portraits of Third World Women"
Lecture by Business Professor Swithina Mboko 
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Loutit Room, Wege Center
 
Wednesday, March 3
“Appreciation Lunch in Honor of International Women’s Day”
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Loutit Room, Wege Center Third Floor
 
Monday, April 5
Artist Judy Chicago
Presented by the West Michigan Women’s Studies Council
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Celebration Cinema North, 2121 Celebration Dr. NE , Grand Rapids, MI 49525
 
Monday, April 12
Outstanding AQ Woman Nominations are due no later than 5 p.m. in the JHIWSC mailbox.
 
Friday & Saturday, April 16 & 17, 2010
The Resourceful Women Conference
Keynote Speaker: Mary Alice Williams 
Location: Donnelly Center
 
Wednesday, April 21
The Annual "Outstanding AQ Woman Awards”
Time: 1:45 to 2:45 p.m.
Location: Donnelly Center
 
Fall 2009
Monday, September 21
“Women in the Balance: Four Professionals Juggle Career and Family”
Featuring panelists: Beth Sanders, EA, MAAA Deloitte Consulting; Linda M. Stotenbur, CFP, Associate Financial Advisor, Ameriprise Financial; Kelly Smallegan-Maas, Lambert, Edwards & Associates, Director of PR; Rita Grant, Professor of Accounting, School of (Seidman College of Business) GVSU
Co-Sponsored by the School of Management
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Wege Center Loutit Room
 
CANCELED -  Wednesday, October 7
"Strong Women: Stories of Incarcerated Women"
By:  The Still Point Theatre Collective, Chicago
Time: 5 to 6 p.m. 
Location: Wege Center Ballroom
 
Thursday, November 5
“Local Women in Music”
Panelists: Kathy Wagner, Mary Rademacher and Edye Evans Hyde; Facilitator: Francine Paolini
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Loutit Room, Third Floor Wege Center
 
Wednesday, November 11
GET (Girls Empowering Together) College Day
AQ Students mentor Grand Rapids Public School teen girls through the GET program
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Donnelly Center
 
Thursday, December 3
“Sister Santa” featuring Women’s Studies Professor Deb Wickering
Time: 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.
Location: Lobby of the Grace Hauenstein Library
 
Spring 2009
Tuesday, January 27 
In Celebration of St. Thomas Aquinas Week 
Panelists: Dominican Sisters and Facilitator, Sister Maureen Geary 
“Answering the Call to Do Justice: Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids” 
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location:  Wege Center Loutit Room 
Free and open to the public
 
Tuesday, February 3
Speaker: Kathleen Hall Jamison 
"Gender, Power, Politics and the Media in the 2008 Presidential Election"
Time: 7 p.m. 
Location: Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 
Free and open to the public 
Sponsored by the West Michigan Women’s Studies Council
Ms. Jamieson is a Professor of Communication and Director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania. Her work is devoted to finding accurate facts within
US political campaigns and advertisements.
 
Thursday, February 12 
"Equality Bake Sale: Highlighting the Continuing Gender Income Gap” 
Time: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
Location: Academic Building Lobby 
*All proceeds go to a local women’s organization
 
Monday, February 9 through Friday, February 20 
Exhibit: “The Clothesline Project: Bearing Witness to Domestic Violence” 
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Location: Wege Center, Lower Level Lobby 
Free and open to the public
The Clothesline Project (CLP) is a program started on Cape Cod, MA, in 1990 to address the issue of violence against women. It is a vehicle for women affected by violence to express their emotions by decorating a shirt. They then hang the shirt on a clothesline to be viewed by others as testimony to the problem of violence against women.
 
Tuesday, February 24 
Speaker: Bena' Burda
"Leading Change Through Commerce: Bena Burda and Maggie's Organics." 
Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m. 
Location: Donnelly Center 
Free and open to the public
 
Thursday, March 4 
Appreciation Luncheon in Honor of International Women’s Day 
With its beginnings in Copenhagen, nearly 90 years ago, women’s groups around the world celebrate International Women’s Day.
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. 
Location: Wege Center Loutit Room 
Free and open to the public
 
Friday, March 6: Deadline 
Student Creative Writing Contest
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Aquinas students will submit their poetry, creative non-fiction, or fiction celebrating women or issues related to women. Winners will read their work at the “A Night of Celebrating Women’s Voices” event. 
Entry forms available in the Women’s Studies Center, Mail Room, and Library 
Please have all submissions/forms to the Women’s Studies Center or the mailbox of Pamela Dail-Whiting by 5 p.m.
 
Thursday, March 19 
Speaker: Sandi Wisenberg
“Was That a He or a She and Why Does it Matter?: A Reading of Creative Nonfiction ”
(From her forthcoming book on her experiences with cancer) 
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. 
Location: Wege Center Loutit Room Free and open to the public
 
Monday, March 23
Speaker: Jessica Valenti, author of "Full Frontal Feminism"
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Kirkhoff Center, Allendale Campus at GVSU
Sponsored by the Women and Gender Studies Program.
 
Thursday, March 26 
“A Night of Celebrating Women’s Voices” 
Readings from the winners of the Women’s History Month Creative Writing Contest and From the Women and Journals Class 
Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m. 
Location: The Moose Café, Cook Carriage House 
Free and open to the public
 
Wednesday, April 8 
The Annual “Outstanding AQ Woman Awards” 
As the academic year draws to an end, the Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center is honored to acknowledge the hard work, dedication and commitment of the women of Aquinas College. An outstanding faculty, staff, student, and alumni are selected based upon nominations, by a special committee to win these awards and they will be honored at this award ceremony.
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Wege Center Loutit Room
 
Thursday, April 16 
Speaker: Susan Stall 
"Women-Centered Organizing: A Form of Resistance." 
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. 
Location:  Wege Center Loutit Room
Free and open to the public
 
Fall 2008
Monday, October 6
“In a time of moral crisis, we could not be silent!”
Speakers: Dominican Sisters Carol Gilbert & Ardeth Platte There will also be a viewing of “Conviction.”
Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Location:  Wege Center Loutit Room
Free and open to the public
Three Dominican Sisters are featured in the film "Conviction"(43 min.) produced by Brenda Truelson Fox.  It relates the story of their nonviolent civil resistance plowshare action, their trial, sentencing and incarceration in a Citizen's Weapons Inspection of a Minuteman III nuclear weapon on October 6, 2002
 
Wednesday, October 8
Speaker: Maria Schneider, internationally renowned jazz composer
“How Does a Woman Make Her Place in the Jazz World?”
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Loutit Room
Free and open to the public
 
Thursday, October 9
Speaker: Maria Schneider, jazz composer and conductor  
“An Evening Concert with Maria Schneider & the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra.”
Time: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Location: Wege Center Ballroom Free and open to the public.
NOTE: This is a ticketed event. Must have ticket to attend.
 
Wednesday, October 15
Speaker: Martha Burk, political psychologist and women’s equity expert
“The High Stakes in 2008: Issues, The Women's Vote, and You.”  
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Eberhard Center, GVSU, 301 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
Free and open to the public.
Parking available in the Conference Services/Fulton Street Lot. 
Sponsored by the West Michigan Women’s Studies Council
 
October - This event has been canceled and will not be rescheduled.
Speaker: Naomi Klein, author of “Shock Doctrine” and “No Logo.” Location: Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Sponsored by the West Michigan Women’s Studies Council 
 
Tuesday, November 11 Speaker: Judy Whipps
"Jane Addams: Connecting Passivism to Feminism" Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Location: Wege Center Loutit Room Free and open to the public
 
Friday, December 5  “Sister Santa’s comin’ to town…” What if Santa was a Woman? How would things be different if Saint Nick was a chic? This annual holiday celebration has a lot to offer. Sister Santa will listen to the holiday wishes of Aquinas faculty, staff, and students, as well as pass out special gifts from her sack. There will also be plenty of food and fun for all! Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Location: Wege Cafeteria
 
Spring 2008
Tuesday, January 29
In Celebration of St. Thomas Aquinas Week: The Twelfth Annual Jane Hibbard Idema Women's Studies Center Tea and Lecture
Topic: "Women Writers in the Middle Ages"
Speaker: Dr. Rebecca Coogan, Associate Professor of English, and Aquinas College
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Loutit Room
Free and open to the public
 
February 1 through 15
"The Clothesline Project: Bearing Witness to Domestic Violence"
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Location: Lower Level Wege Mall
 
Thursday, February 7
"An Evening with Eve Ensler: Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of V-Day."
Speaker: Eve Ensler, Playwright, Performer and Activist
Ensler, award-winning author of The Vagina Monologues, has just completed a 
tour of 20 North American cities with her newest play, The Good Body, following engagements on Broadway in NYC and ACT in San Francisco. 
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Fountain St. Church, 24 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 
Sponsored by the West Michigan Women’s Studies Council
Free and open to the public
 
**This Event Has Been CANCELED. It will be rescheduled for a later date.** 
Thursday, February 7
"The Faith of Our Mothers: Black Women’s Jesus, White Women’s Christ"
Speaker: Rev. Dr. Michelle R. Loyd-Paige, Interim Dean for Multicultural Affairs at Calvin College and Professor, Department of Sociology and Social Work.  She has a research interest in African-American clergywomen. She holds Master and Doctorate Degrees from Purdue University and joined the Department of Sociology at Calvin College in 1985. She is also an ordained minister of the Gospel and serves as a pasturing elder in Muskegon, Michigan. In addition, she is the founder of Preach Sista!, Inc., a non-profit organization which “Embraces, Encourages, and Equips Women for Ministry."
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Loutit Room
Free and open to the public
 
Tuesday, February 12
Equality Bake Sale: "Highlighting the Continuing Gender Gap Income"
Women currently make 77cents for every dollar men make. The Equality Bake Sale adjusts prices accordingly for a taste of what inequality means. 
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Academic Building Lobby
All proceeds go to a local women’s organization.
 
Friday, February 22
Student Creative Writing Contest
In Celebration of Women’s History Month, the Women's Studies Center will accept poetry, creative non-fiction, or fiction celebrating women or issues relating to women. Submissions will be accepted Jan. 11 through Friday, Feb. 22. Winners will read their work at the Women’s History Creative Writing Reading with a Sabbatical Reading by Professor Pamela Dail Whiting, Assistant Professor of English.
 
Wednesday, March 12
International Women's Day Celebration
We will view a short film, The Kingdom of Women, with discussion to follow.
Dr. Katharina Häusler-Gross, AQ Associate Professor of German, will present the film and facilitate discussion.
Light refreshments will also be served.
Time: Noon to 1 p.m. 
Location: Loutit Room
Free and open to the public
 
Thursday, March 13
"Women's History Creative Writing Reading "
Creative writing readings by the winners of the Student Creative Writing Contest with a sabbatical reading by Professor Pamela Dail-Whiting, Assistant Professor of English.
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: TBA
Free and open to the public
 
Tuesday, March 25 
"Sustain Your Brain: A hands-on demonstration about what individuals can do for sustainability."
Brown Bag Lecture Series 
Speaker: Dr. Deborah Steketee, Assistant Professor for Sustainable Business,
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Albertus Hall - Rm. 111 
Free and open to the public
 
Wednesday, April 2 
The Annual "Outstanding AQ Woman Awards"
As the academic year draws to an end, the Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center is honored to acknowledge the hard work, dedication and commitment of the women of Aquinas College. An outstanding faculty, staff, student and alumni are selected, based upon nominations, by a special committee to win these awards and they will be honored at this award ceremony. 
Nominations are due March 21 by 5 p.m.
Time: Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Grace Hauenstein Library Lobby
 
Saturday, April 12
Eighth Annual Resourceful Women’s Conference 
This conference is held in order to help students develop skills that allow them to become critical thinkers, effective communicators, and advocates for gender equality.
Keynote: "Your Very Best"
Speaker: Shirley O. Corriher, a food scientist and author of "Cookwise: The How's and Whys of Successful Cooking."  Shirley O. Corriher is a food writer and culinary food sleuth. She is a contributing editor to Fine Cooking and lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Wege Center Ballroom
 
Monday, April 21
"STI’s (Sexually Transmitted Infections): what, how, where and the HPV vaccine"
Speaker: Kim Quigg, RNC, NP
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Loutit Room
Free and open to the public
 
Fall 2007
Thursday, September 6
"Asking for Help: Putting on Your Air Mask or You Can’t Give What You Don’t Have"
Speaker: Tim Cusack, Laughter That Matters
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Loutit Room
Free and open to the public
 
Monday, September 17
"Breast Health and How You Can Help With the Susan G. Komen Foundation"
Speaker: Kim Quigg, RNC, NP and Veronica Beitner of the Aquinas College Health Center
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Loutit Room 
Free and open to the public
 
Thursday, September 27
"Getting Off: Pornography and the End of Masculinity"
Speaker: Robert Jensen, Professor  of Journalism, University of Texas at Austin.
Robert Jensen’s new book launches a powerful critique of mainstream pornography
that promises to reignite one of the fiercest debates in contemporary feminism. 
In Getting Off Jensen asks tough, but crucial questions about pornography, manhood,
and paths toward genuine social justice.
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Donnelly Center
Co-sponsored with the Community Media Center
Free and open to the public
 
Thursday, October 4
“Adam and Eve and the Serpent”
Speaker: Elaine Pagels writer, professor, Biblical scholar, and feminist. 
Elaine Pagels is a preeminent figure in the theological community whose impressive scholarship has earned her international respect. The Harrington Spear Paine Professor of Religion at Princeton University, Pagels was awarded the Rockefeller, Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellowships in three consecutive years. Works of Pagels include Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas, The Gnostic Gospel, Adam, Eve and the Serpent, The Origin of Satan and Reading Judas.
Time: 7 p.m., 
Location: Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Sponsored by the West Michigan Women's Studies Council
Free and open to the public
 
Tuesday, October 9
"Eating Disorders: A Crisis in Eating and Weight"
Speaker: Barbara Homrich, Clinical Psychologist and Substance Abuse Program Director at Claystone Clinical Associates
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Loutit Room
Free and open to the public
 
Thursday, November 1
"Does Depression Really Hurt... Facing It Head On"
Speakers: Christy Buck, RSW Executive Director and Susan Meekhof, Education Coordinator from the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Loutit Room
Free and open to the public
 
Thursday, November 15
"Rock the Boat, but Don't be Surprised if You Get Wet"
Speaker: Roxanne Walker, radio activist, has been honored by the Greenville Chapter of Women in Communications with three Matrix Awards for her political opinion column in MetroBEAT, an alternative news weekly. She will be speaking about one woman's lonely war against a giant media company and how her antiwar views affected her career. 
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Loutit Room
Free and open to the public
 
Monday, November 19
"This Land Was Their Land..." Native-American spiritual land-blessing ceremony
Presenters: Dr. Sara Leeland, Adjunct Associate Professor of Philosophy, and Dr. Paul M. Bienemann, Professor of Geography, Aquinas College
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Location: Mary’s Shrine in front of Holmdene
Free and open to the public
 
Friday, December 7
"Sister Santa’s comin’ to town..."
What if Santa was a Woman? How would things be different if jolly old Saint Nick was a chick?
This annual holiday celebration has a lot to offer. Sister Santa will listen to the holiday wishes of Aquinas faculty, staff and students, pass out special gifts from her sack, and lead participants in traditional carols with a twist! There will be food and fun for all, you can even get your picture taken on her lap!
Time: 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Location: Lower Wege Center Lounge
 
Spring 2007
Thursday, January 18 
"Sexual Assault: Viewed Through Two Professions" Helen Brinkman , Kent County Prosecutor & Linda Rossman, YWCA Nurse Examiner 
Nurse Examiner Rossman and Prosecutor Brinkman will discuss their differing, but equally important, roles in assisting survivors of sexual assault and raising awareness about this important issue. Sexual assault information and resources will be available. 
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Wege Center Loutit Room 
Cost: Free and open to the public.
 
Monday, January 29 through Friday, February 9 
The Clothesline Project: Bearing Witness to Domestic Violence 
Time: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Lower Wege Lounge 
Cost: Free and open to the public. Co-sponsored by the Grand Rapids YWCA.
 
Tuesday, January 23
10 th Annual St. Thomas Aquinas Week Tea & Lecture
Sister Mary Navarre, O.P. Aquinas Professor of Education discusses her experiences on a recent trip to France and what she learned about St. Dominic. 
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Wege Center Loutit Room 
Cost: Free and open to the public.
 
Monday, January 29 
Wangari Mathai, 2004 Nobel Peace Prize recipient for her environmental activism in Africa.
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 
Cost: Free and open to the public. 
Sponsored by the West Michigan Women's Studies Council.
 
Thursday, February 1
In Celebration of Black History Month "Sensuality or Eroticism? Female Rappers on Sex, Gender, and Subjectivity" 
Jennifer Young, Assistant Professor of English at Hope College explores the strategies female rappers use to claim space, proclaim their femininity, and attain respect in a music world plagued by stigma and commercialism. 
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. 
Location: Wege Center Loutit Room 
Cost: Free and open to the public.
 
Tuesday, February 13 
Equality Bake Sale - Highlighting the Continuing Gender Income Gap 
Women make 69 cents to every dollar men make in Kent County- 2000 US Census. The Equality Bake sale adjusts prices accordingly for a taste of what this inequality means. 
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Location: Academic Building lobby
 
Thursday, March 1 
International Women's Day: Women's History Month Kick-off 
International Women's Day is celebrated by women's groups around the world with its beginnings in Copenhagen, nearly 90 years ago. Professor Katharina Gross will present its history and offer bread and roses, inspired by James Oppenheim's famous poem. 
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. 
Location: Wege Center Loutit Room 
Cost: Free
 
Monday, March 5 Student Creative Writing Contest
Deadline for Submissions: Thursday, March 15 by 5 p.m. 
In Celebration of Women's History Month. Aquinas students submit their poetry, creative non-fiction, or fiction celebrating women or issues particular to women. Winners will read their work at the Aquinas Faculty Tandem Poetry.
 
Thursday, March 15 
“Dilemmas of Feminist Work in Political Science” 
Molly Patterson, AQ Political Scientist 
Molly Patterson, AQ Political Scientist, will share the findings of her dissertation research related to democratic theory. 
Time: 12:30 to 1:30p.m. 
Location: Wege Center Loutit Room 
Cost: Free
 
Thursday, March 22 
Faculty Tandem Poetry Reading 
Featuring Aquinas' own published poets: Michaeleen Kelly; Professor of Philosophy, Vicki McMillan; Assistant Professor of English, and Miriam Pederson; Associate Professor of English. 
Time: 7 p.m. 
Location: Cook Carriage House, Moose Cafe 
Cost: Free
 
Friday, March 30 
Fifth Annual Outstanding AQ Woman Awards Reception 
Deadline for Nominations: Tuesday, March 20 by 5 p.m. 
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. 
Location: Holmdene Board Room
 
Monday, April 9 
"More than a Cure: Examining the Politics of Breast Health and the Environment" 
Julia Mason, Professor of Women and Gender Studies at Grand Valley State University 
Time: 7 p.m. 
Location: Wege Center Loutit Room 
Cost: Free and open to the public.
 
Fall 2006
Thursday, August 31 
Gender Studies Club at "Clubs and Orgs Day" 
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 
Location: Wege Mall
 
Thursday, September 7
Jean Doss, Representative, One United Michigan
One United Michigan is a non-partisan group that is currently working to inform voters about the so-called Michigan Civil Rights Initiative which will appear on the ballot in November. 
Time: 7 p.m. 
Location: Wege Center Loutit Room 
Cost: Free and open to the public.
 
Saturday, September 9
2006 Coalition Conference 
Grassroots peace and social justice activists and organizations based in Western Michigan will present literature, information, and resources. The West Michigan Peace and Justice Coalition's some thirty member groups will be among those represented. 
Time: 1p.m. 
Location: Wege Center Ball Room 
Cost: Free and open to the public. 
Presented by the West Michigan Justice and Peace Coalition.
 
Monday, September 25 
"Activism for a New Millennium"
A panel discussion featuring Dotti Clune; activist, organizer, and local freelance writer, Paula Melin; Muskegon school teacher, Doris Rucks; retired professor of Women's Studies and African American Studies at GVSU. 
Time: 7 to 8 p.m. panel, 8 to 9 p.m. breakout sessions
Location: Wege Center Loutit Room
 
Monday, October 2 
Bell Hooks: "The Positive Power of Feminism"
Time: 7 p.m. 
Location: Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 
Cost: Free and open to the public. 
Sponsored by The West Michigan Women's Studies Council.
 
Tuesday, October 24
"Women Make a Difference: An Hour with Diane Rehm at Aquinas College"
Host of the National Public Radio Diane Rehm Show.
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Location: Performing Arts Center, Aquinas College.
Free and open to the public.
Major Event Sponsor, Founders Bank and Trust
 
Tuesday, October 24
"A Conversation with Diane Rehm" 
Dinner fundraiser celebrating the Jane Hibbard Idema's Women's Studies Center's 20th anniversary. Tickets are $150 per person. Seating is limited.
A special thanks to Founders Bank and Trust for being our major event sponsor.
 
Thursday, November 9 
"Make Your International Dream a Reality" 
Dr. Mary Anne E. Walsh 
Time: 6 to 8 p.m. 
Location: Donnelly Center
 
Thursday, November 16 
"Anishinabekwewok: The Strength of the People" 
Debra Muller, Project Manager, Grand Rapids Public Museum In her work in the Museum's Curatorial Division, Deb focuses on the Norton Land Group National Historic Landmark along the Grand River. Her talk will cover Grand Rapids Native American culture and Native women's influence on the community. 
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. 
Location: Wege Center Loutit Room 
Cost: Free and open to the public.
 
Friday, December 1 
Sister Santa Visits Aquinas 
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 
Location: Wege Center Cafeteria
 
Saturday, December 2 
"Reproducing Inequities: Poverty and the Politics of Population in Haiti" 
Residents of Haiti - one of the poorest and most unstable countries in the world--face a grim reality of starvation, violence, lack of economic opportunity, and minimal health care. For years, aid organizations have sought to alleviate the problems by creating health and family planning clinics. Why did this initiative fail so spectacularly despite surveys finding that residents would like to have fewer children? Why don't poor women heed the message of family planning when smaller families seem to be in their best interests? M. Catherine Maternowska, professor at the University of California, San Francisco, will give a talk addressing these and other issues from her book Reproducing Inequities. 
Time: 7 p.m. 
Location: Schuler Books and Music, 3165 Alpine Ave. NW, Walker, MI 49544
 
Spring 2006
Tuesday, January 24
"Stalking the Divine" By author Kristin Ohlson 
In Celebration of St. Thomas Aquinas Week 
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. 
Location: Wege Center Loutit Room
 
Monday, January 30 through Monday, February 6
The Clothesline Project: Bearing Witness to Domestic Violence
Location: On display in Lower Wege Lounge
 
Tuesday, February 7 
Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy (GRIID) presents "Conquest: Sexual Violence and American Indian Genocide" 
Andrea Smith, Native American scholar, activist and co-founder of INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence, the largest grassroots, multi-racial feminist organization in the U.S. 
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Wealthy Street Theatre
 
Tuesday, February 14 
Equality Bake Sale Highlighting the Continuing Gender Income Gap 
According to the U.S. Women's Bureau and the National Committee on Pay Equity, a woman made an average of 75.5 cents for every dollar a man made in 2003.
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Location: Academic Building Lobby 
All proceeds are donated to the Women's Resource Center.
 
Tuesday, February 21 
Mira Nair Film Festival 
Showing of "Salaam Bombay!"
To be followed by a panel discussion. 
Time: 7p.m. 
Location: Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA)
 
Wednesday, February 22
Mira Nair Film Festival 
Showing of "Hysterical Blindness" and "Laughing Club of India " 
Time: 7p.m 
Location: Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA)
 
Wednesday, February 22 
Black History Month Films 
Featuring "Bamboozled" and "Diary of a Mad Black Woman." 
Discussion to follow facilitated by Dr. Michael Cushion; Aquinas Assistant Professor of Sociology and Sharon Smith; Aquinas Director of Career and Counseling Services. 
Time: 6 to 10:30 p.m. 
Location: Moose Cafe, Cook Carriage House.
 
Wednesday, February 22 
Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy (GRIID) presents "Is the U.S. Military Liberating Iraq?" 
A critique of US Policy through a Gender and Anti-Imperialist Lens Lecture by Stan Goff, soldier, teacher, and author of "Sex and War." 
Time: 7 p.m. 
Location: Wealthy Street Theatre
 
Thursday, February 23 
The Nokomis Foundation Lecture Series and West Michigan Women's Studies Council Presents 
Between Two Worlds: An Evening with Mira Nair 
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Gezon Auditorium, Calvin College
 
Thursday, February 23 
The Gender Studies Club Presents, Bleached Out! Dioxins and You 
AQ Nurse Kim Texley Quigg will be presenting on the harmful effects that bleached tampons have on the female body. Free samples of organic tampons and information will be handed out to the public. Organic tampons will be on sale in the health center located in lower Wege starting February 20, 2006 .
Time: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. 
Location: Wege Center Loutit Room
 
February Black History Month 
African American Women Authors Book Display 
Location: Woodhouse Library
 
Thursday, March 2 
International Women's Day Celebration 
By Kati Gross, Aquinas German Professor 
International Women's Day is celebrated by women's groups around the world with its beginnings in Copenhagen , nearly 90 years ago. Professor Gross will present its history and offer bread and roses, inspired by James Oppenheim's famous poem. 
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. 
Location: Wege Center Foyer
 
March 2006
Student Creative Writing Contest 
In Celebration of Women's History Month. Aquinas students submit their poetry, creative non-fiction, or fiction celebrating women or issues particular to women. Winners will read their work at the Aquinas Faculty Tandem Poetry Reading. 
Deadline: March 1, 2006 
Winners: Julie Coyne and Rickie-Ann Legleitner
 
Saturday, March 18
March Madness Costume Ball **POSTPONED**
Fundraiser for AIDS Orphans in Malawi
Time: 8 p.m. to Midnight
Cost: $20 per person. 
Location: Wege Center Ballroom
 
Wednesday, March 22 
Aquinas Faculty Tandem Poetry Reading 
In celebration of Women's History Month. Featuring Aquinas' own published poets Michelle DeRose, Associate Professor of English; Vicki McMillan, Assistant Professor of English; Pamela Waterbury, Assistant Professor of English; and Miriam Pederson, Associate Professor of English. Winners of the Student Creative Writing Contest will also present their works. 
Time: 7 p.m. 
Location: Moose Café, Cook Carriage House.
 
Friday, March 24 
Seventh Annual Resourceful Women Conference
"Four Women from Egypt " A film by Tahani Rached 
Deb Wickering, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Aquinas College will lead a discussion following the film. 
Time: 7 p.m. 
Location: Kretschmer Recital Hall 
Free and open to the public. 
"Riveting in its veracity, deeply moving in its humanity, this brilliant film captures how women's lives can be tied to national dreams and how a nation can be built out of friendship and difference. These four compelling women - intellectuals, activists, and friends - will open your eyes to politics, religion, and gender in Egypt . They will also make you laugh and cry." --Lila Abu-Lughod
 
Saturday, March 25 
Seventh Annual Resourceful Women Conference 
A conference of student works about women. 
Time: Student presentations 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Location: Wege Ballroom & Academic Bldg. Classrooms
Keynote speaker: Dr. Lila Abu-Lughod, Professor of Anthropology and Director of the Institute for Research on Women and Gender at Columbia University . Dr. Abu-Lughod will be speaking on "The Muslim Woman: The Power of Images and the Dangers of Pity." Her lecture will take place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Wege Student Center Ballroom. 
Middle Eastern lunch will be served at 11:45 a.m. , with a special performance by the Dark Flowered Gypsies dance troupe.
Reservations and prepayment are required for lunch by March 22 by 5 p.m. (extended). Lunch is $8 general public and $4 students with ID. 
Contact the Women's Studies Center at (616) 632-2979 to make a reservation.
 
Tuesday, March 28 
"Women Entrepreneurs: Their Green Side" 
Presented by the Jane Hibbard Idema Women's Studies Center and the Sustainable Business Department. 
A panel featuring Janine Benyus; author of "Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature," international lecturer and consultant, Anja VanderBrug Mast; co-owner of Trillium Haven Farm, an organic, community-supported farm in Michigan, Gayle DeBruyn; Designer and owner of Lake Affect Studio, and Mary Ellen Mika; Manager of Strategic Sourcing Services, Steelcase, Inc. 
Time: 7 p.m. 
Location: Wege Ballroom 
Free and open to the public
 
Thursday, March 30 
4th Annual Outstanding Aquinas Woman Award Reception 
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. 
Location: Holmdene Board Room 
Deadline for Nominations: Wednesday, March 15 by 5 p.m.
 
Fall 2005
Thursday, September 29
"Expedition Medic"
By Kate Dernocoeur, local writer
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. 
Location: Wege Center Loutit Room
 
Monday, October 3
"Margaret Atwood as a Feminist Writer" 
by Jennifer Dawson, Aquinas Assistant Professor of English 
Time: 7 p.m. 
Location: Wege Center Loutit Room 
Refreshments provided.
 
Monday, October 3 through Friday, October 14
Faith Ringgold's work on exhibit 
Location: Art and Music Center Gallery
 
Thursday October 6, 2005 
West Michigan Women's Studies Council presents 
Author Margaret Atwood 
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
 
Wednesday, October 12
"Quilts as Art & Story: The Works of Faith Ringgold" (Lecture & Slide Presentation)
Time: Noon and 7 p.m.
Location: Aquinas Performing Arts Center 
Tickets: $10 general public. Call (616) 632-2449 for tickets. Student tickets for the noon-time lecture, and limited seating for the evening lecture, available for $5 at the PAC box office with a student ID.
Book signing to follow.
 
Thursday, November 17
"Leadership Roles of Native American Women"
By Sharon Detz, Former Director of Native American Ministry 
Discussion on the definition of leadership, Native American women in leadership roles, and a short film. 
Time: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Location: Wege Center Loutit Room