Thirty-five years ago,
Empowerment for all
the student group Network of the Equality of Women Students (NEWS), led by faculty co-chairs Marilyn Shantz and Mary Libertin, began exploring the idea of creating a space for women. It would be where women could find guidance and mentorship. At the time, most women on campus were first-generation students and in need of additional resources and NEWS envisioned a safe haven of support for students experiencing sexual harassment, assault or discrimination.
The Women’s Center celebrates an anniversary BY CASEY SAUSSAMAN ’19M
On March 3, 1986, their idea became a reality with the opening of the Women’s Center in Horton Hall. With the help of NEWS, the center brought new resources to campus including counseling services for women and programming that would start new conversations and insights to the campus community. The first event held by the Women’s Center, “Turning the Tide for Women in 1986,” featured Ellie Smeal, the president of the National Organization for Women. Early programming focused on lectures of women’s roles in music, medicine, education, human service professions, government, and business, according to Arielle Catron, director of the Women’s Center.
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SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
