Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University's Women's and Gender Studies Department is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary on March 7, coinciding with Women's History Month. The event will feature a keynote address by U.S. Representative Haley Stevens and other activities highlighting the department's history and future at EMU.

Mary-Elizabeth Murphy, head of the department, remarked on the significance of the field in Michigan: “In Michigan, women's and gender studies has a rich history,” adding that their curriculum engages students in interdisciplinary conversations crucial for academia's future.

Established as a minor in 1975, EMU was the first university in Michigan to offer such a program. In 2006, it was renamed to include gender studies and became a full department by 2009. The program has provided a space for exploring gender and sexuality issues while featuring notable speakers like Maya Angelou, Audre Lorde, and Eleanor Holmes Norton.

Additional events this month include "Careers in Women's & Gender Studies" on March 18 at Pray Harrold, featuring alumni Nada Al-Hanooti, Laura Hoehner, and Nicole Carter. On March 24, "Dear Miss Perkins": A Story of Frances Perkins's Efforts to Aid Refugees will be held at Strong Hall.

Murphy expressed her hopes for students' engagement with the curriculum: “I love the students we have and the diverse backgrounds that they come from. The interdisciplinary breadth of the department is remarkable.”

For more information about upcoming events or to learn more about Eastern Michigan University’s programs, visit their website.