WPI to Celebrate Women’s History Month in March - 2009

Media Contact
February 27, 2009

What

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) will observe Women’s History Month in March to highlight the contributions made by women and to encourage young women to continue to make history, in particular in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Women’s History Month is significant at WPI, where the university’s Office of Women’s Programs promotes women in the STEM disciplines and helps them meet the challenges they may face upon graduation. To celebrate the observance, the university will host film nights, discussions on women’s roles in the engineering industry, and an awards ceremony. The events are sponsored by WPI’s offices of Women’s Programs, Greek Life, and the Housing & Residential Experience Center, the university’s Social Committee and Community Council, and Girls’ Night Out (GNO), a program of women-only social events.

Where        

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

100 Institute Road

Worcester, Mass.

Schedule 

Throughout March: The Fairy Godmother Project of Massachusetts Inc. is an organization that collects donations of new and gently worn formal dresses and accessories and donates them to financially disadvantaged students in Massachusetts so they can attend their school formal occasions in style. Donations of formal dresses, shoes, purses, jewelry, gift certificates, and money are accepted throughout the year. Unopened makeup and nylons are accepted as well. Monetary donations are always welcome and are needed to cover expenses such as transporting and storing the dresses and purchasing dress racks and hangers. The drop-off site is the Office of Women’s Programs, Campus Center.

  • March 2: Women’s History Month Morning Kick-off, with free hot chocolate and coffee, 8-10 a.m. in the Campus Center lobby.
  • March 10: Graduate Women’s Lunch, noon, Campus Center Chairman’s Room. Free. RSVP by March 6 to womens-programs@wpi.edu
  • March 17: GNO St. Patrick’s Day snacks and crafts, 5-7 p.m., Higgins House, Great Hall.Free.
  • March 23: Speaker and author Amber Madson, "Hooking Up: A Discussion for Women," with book signing to follow; 5-6 p.m., Higgins House, Great Hall.
  • March 24: "Ada Lovelace Day – A Day for Women to Blog." Ada Byron, countess of Lovelace, is considered to be the founder of scientific computing. Women are encouraged on this day to log onto www.pledgebank.com/AdaLovelaceDay and blog.
  • March 24: Roundtable with Women Engineers (lunch provided), noon to 1 p.m.,  Campus Center Chairman’s Room. RSVP to womens-programs@wpi.edu.
  • March 24: WPI Women of Strength Awards Reception, 4-5 p.m., Campus Center Mid-Century Room. Sponsored by the Office of Women’s Programs and Pratt & Whitney.
  • March 28 and 29: GNO Movie Night, "Marley and Me," 8 p.m., Salisbury Labs.