The vast majority of students at Worcester State College are women. The large number of female students is one reason why the Student Events Committee and Third World Alliance have joined forces to help Worcester State celebrate March, Women's History Month. The two student organizations have put together a series of events aimed at illustrating the history of the women's movement and the diversity of the female gender. The programs also seek to explore current issues facing women now and into the future.
The festivities began March 4, 1998. The first event, Women's Wisdom and Quilt Making, will run from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm in the Student Center Exhibit Area. During this time all those interested are invited to decorate a piece of cloth that will become a square in the Women's History Month Quilt. All supplies will be provided free of charge. Quilt pieces can reflect feelings and/or experiences about womanhood or they can be dedicated to a woman who has had a profound impact on the life of the designer. WSCW will be playing music by female artists throughout this time.
On Tuesday, March 17, 1998 Exposure Musical Reviews will be stopping at Worcester State to perform their "Musical Ladies" show in the Exhibit Area. The two 45-minute sets will feature music form several genres and historical periods, along with descriptions of the contributions these musicians made to the women's movement. The first show is at 11:30 am and the second will begin at 1:30 pm. Admission is free and so are the refreshments that will be provided.
The following day, the "Colored Ladies Society" will perform a play in the Administration Theater, on the second floor of the Administration building, beginning at 10:30 am. Admission to this event is also free and the program should run approximately one hour. Bev Smith, of BET fame, will be the host and moderator of a two part panel discussion on Wednesday, March 25 in the Student Center Blue Lounge. Part One will begin at 11:30 am and will focus on issues surrounding dating, body image and eating disorders. The panel will include students involved in athletics, residence life, and student activities. Part Two will begin at 1:30 pm and includes historical aspects of the women's movement as well as a look at its influence on the various roles held by professional women today. Panel members include Worcester State administrators, faculty and alumni as well as professional women from the Worcester community. Everyone is invited to attend either or both parts of the discussion, to ask questions and to share insights.
The final event in the Women's History Month series will be on Monday, March 30. The film "Soul Food" will be shown free of charge in the North/South Auditorium of the Student Center at 2:00 pm and 6:30 pm. A free "soul food buffet" will be held during the second showing beginning at 6:00 pm. Food is limited and will be available on a first come, first served basis. A great deal of work has gone into the planning of this month of events. It is the hope of the Women's History Month Committee that many people, both men and women, will participate in these entertaining and educational events. More information about any of these events can be obtained by calling Melinda Wicks-Doherty or Kate Negri in the Student Activities Office at Worcester State College at 929-8073 or by emailing knegri@worc.mass.edu.