Category: What’s New @ UMW

Dr. Stephen Solomon, the award-winning author of “Ellery’s Protest” and a professor at NYU, will deliver the lecture titled “God in Classroom: The Misunderstood Conflict Dividing America” on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 4 p.m.
in the Woodard Campus Center, Red Room. The free lecture is sponsored by the Department of Political Science and International Affairs, Campus Academic Resources Committee and the Department of Classics, Philosophy and Religion. For more information, contact Emile Lester at elester@umw.edu or 540/654-1146.

STAND OUT! SPEAK UP!

If all people are to get the same opportunities and rights, then everyone must Stand Out! Speak Up! Societal norms seem to be shifting, queer rights and other GLBTTQQIAAP issues are becoming more prevalent in American politics. There have been legal victories, but there’s still a long way to travel on the road to egalitarianism. Join PRISM – People for the Rights of Sexual Minorities – and the James Farmer Multicultural Center to celebrate the courage to stand out and speak up for one’s beliefs and values.

GLBTTQQIAAP Kickoff Celebration
October 19
4-6 p.m., Ball Circle
(Rain location: Great Hall,Woodard Campus Center)

PRISM welcomes the entire campus community to share in a kickoff celebration that fuses food, live music, and fun. Read “PostSecret” style coming-out stories and be inspired by the experiences, struggles, and victories of your peers.

In this corner….. Fight for Your Rights Panel Discussion
October 20
6 p.m., Lee Hall, Room 411

Join faculty, staff, and students as they discuss the many issues facing queer students at UMW. Learn about resources and tools that encourage positive change so you’ll be equipped to Speak Up!

PRISM Prom – Rio Carnival
October 22
8 p.m., Great Hall,Woodard Campus Center
Cost: $3
(Formal attire strongly encouraged)

Standing out at the high school prom might have made for a bad memory, but the memorable PRISM Prom can help undo all that. Look great and proudly stand out while you enjoy all the prom’s trappings – music, dancing, photos, and refreshments.

Changing Time, Changing Policies?
Debate on Protected Classes
October 24
6 p.m., Lee Hall, Room 411

UMW students debate whether sexual orientation and gender identity should be protected classes in Virginia and whether they should be included in the non-discrimination policies of Virginia’s colleges and universities. Stand out and speak up on the issues that affect your community.

GLBTTQQIAAP Cultural Celebration Keynote Performer: Andrea Gibson
October 26
7 p.m., Lee Hall, Room 411

A powerful live performer, Andrea Gibson is the winner of the 2008 Women’s World Poetry Slam and has placed third in the world on two international poetry slam stages. With Gibson, the personal is political. Her themes deconstruct gender norms, sexuality, class, patriarchy, and white-supremacist capitalist culture.

Queer Film Festival
Featuring Milk and The Birdcage
October 27
6 p.m., Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center
(For mature audiences)

Milk tells the story of American gay rights activist Harvey Milk and his struggles as the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in California.

The Birdcage illustrates how standing out and speaking up can be difficult. A gay cabaret owner and his drag queen companion agree to their son’s request to put up a straight front when his fiancée’s anti-gay, moralistic parents come to call.

On Saturday, October 22, local law enforcement officers will join members of the public at Run with the Law, a 5K race to benefit Special Olympics Virginia. The race is the debut event of the Virginia Law Enforcement Torch Run, a statewide effort to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Virginia.

The 5K will start at 8 a.m. at the Anderson Center and will be followed by a one-mile “fun run.” The course will go through the Mary Washington campus and the surrounding neighborhoods, ending on Campus Walk. Registration is $25 through October 16 and $30 the day of the race. For more information or to register, visit http://torchrunva.com/View/Page/Calendar_70 or contact Carrie Dyer at cdyer@specialolympicsva.org or (804) 726-3023.

Congratulations to Christina Eggenberger, director of service in student affairs, who has been selected as an Excellent Eagle Employee by the Staff Advisory Council. To thank her for such a wonderful job, Christina will have a reserved parking spot of her choosing through Monday, October 31.

“It’s nice to be recognized for your hard work, no matter what form it comes in,” Christina said.

Here is what one of Christina’s co-workers said about her:

“Christina is an extraordinary example of how great employees care for not only our UMW community but the world. As the Director of Service, Her tireless dedication to the students is only surpassed by her passion for community service, leadership, and sustainability.  Christina has continually provided assistance, planning, and leadership to programs and campaigns such as D.O.T. and Day of Caring. These essential programs benefit our institution, community, and world.  Her presence is felt throughout University initiatives as she quietly works hard to provide a quality well rounded student experience within the department of Student Affairs. Lending a hand when illness struck a fellow employee, volunteering her time to teach Student Success Seminars, and always having an eagle spirit are just a few reasons why Christina an Excellent Eagle Employee!”

This year, community outreach and resources (COAR) and community service are in their own office. “We are excited for what it will do for our ability to grow,” Christina said.

To nominate someone who you believe is an Excellent Eagle Employee, just send an email to Dre Anthes (aanthes@umw.edu) with Excellent Eagle Employee in the Subject Line.  In your email, be sure to include the person’s name, department, work location (with the most convenient parking lot), and of course, the reason why you believe they should be recognized.  Please spread the word to other employees about this wonderful opportunity to recognize a co-worker(s).