Virginia Tech celebrates 100 years of women with a month of programming in March
The month of March brings two reasons to celebrate women: International Women's Month and the anniversary of 100 years of women at Virginia Tech.
In 1921, the first small group of white women were admitted as full-time students to Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute (VPI), completing their first year on campus the following spring. Mary Ella Carr Brumfield, Ruth Terrett, Lucy Lee Lancaster, Louise Jacobs, and Carrie Taylor Sibold graduated in 1925. It would take until 1958 for enrollment of women at VPI to reach 200 (4.1 percent of the student body), and until 1966 for the first Black women students to join the student population.
In honor of Women’s Month and to commemorate Virginia Tech's historic milestone for women, the university will hold a series of events throughout March, including exhibits, panel discussions, luncheons, tours, webinars, networking events, and a film screening. A highlight will be a conversation with 94-year-old Opal Lee, a 2022 Nobel Peace Prize nominee for her work to make Juneteenth a national holiday, held on March 27 in Burruss Auditorium.
Listings for the first two weeks of Women's Month 2022: The First 100 Years of Women, are below. For the complete schedule of events, visit the Women’s Center website or download an at-a-glance calendar.
Week One: Feb. 28-March 5
Feb. 28
Color of Freedom (Exhibition)
Last Day, Newman Library, 4th Floor
Celebrating the legacy of women of color who served our nation in uniform. Co-sponsored by the Rice Center for Leader Development, Virginia Tech Libraries, and the Military Women's Memorial
March 1
Our Bodies, Ourselves
11:30 a.m., Owens Ballroom
In celebration of Women's Month and International Women's Day, join us for this dynamic intercultural lunch and conversation with a panel of Virginia Tech students sharing personal perspectives on women's sexuality, sexual health, menstruation, matriarchy and motherhood, and body image. Panelists from Ghana, Iran, Liberia, Russia, Tanzania, and the Cherokee Nation will comprise the panel. Sponsored by Cranwell International Center.
Week Two: March 6–12
March 8
The Twenties: Virginia Women after the Great War (Exhibition)
10 a.m.–4 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, Alexander Black House and Cultural Center Gallery
This exhibition of historic fashion will be on display for visitors to enjoy. Exhibit runs through April 23. Sponsored by the Department of Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management.
Hokies for Good: Modernizing Miss America
11 a.m., via Zoom | Register here
In honor of International Women's Day, join us for a virtual conversation with Miss America 1979 Kylene Barker McNeill and Miss America 2020 Camille Schrier. The talk will focus on their impact on modernizing the Miss America pageant. Hokies for Good is a series celebrating the exceptional members of the Hokie Nation who have dedicated their careers to humanity’s most pressing issues. For more information, click here. Co-sponsored by Virginia Tech Advancement/Chapter Programs.
International Women’s Day at the Y
5 p.m., The YMCA at Virginia Tech, Lancaster House, 403 Washington St.
As the world celebrates International Women's Day on March 8 to acknowledge women's achievements, raise awareness against bias, and take action toward equity, the YMCA at Virginia Tech is pleased to announce its second year participating in the global event. The celebration will take place on March 8 starting with a visit to the residence of the late Lucy Lee Lancaster, a beloved member of the Blacksburg community and one of the first five women graduates of Virginia Tech — then Virginia Agricultural College and Polytechnic Institute — in 1925. During the visit you will learn about how Lucy Lee befriended the Y and became a steadfast supporter of its efforts to develop cause-driven college students who were positioned to create positive change in the world. To help ensure the Y’s ability to continue this impact, Lucy Lee bequeathed her residence, the Lancaster House, to the organization. After the short presentation there will be a ceremony to acknowledge women members of our community who come from different parts of the world and take an active part in our community to make it better for all. 5 p.m.—Lucy Lancaster's Residence visit and short presentation on her life and legacy; 6 p.m.—YMCA at Virginia Tech Recognition of International Women. Visit the YMCA website for in person pre-registration or the link for online coverage. Sponsored by The YMCA at Virginia Tech.
March 9
Virginia Tech Softball International Women’s Day Game
4 p.m., VT Softball Park
Join the Hokies vs. Norfolk State for this double header at 4 and 6 pm to recognize International Women’s Day and celebrate the 2022 Women’s Month theme of 100 Years of Women at Virginia Tech. Participants will enjoy a great double-header game and a Pink Shaker giveaway. Sponsored by VT Athletics.
March 10
The Grey Area: How to Conquer Shame, Overcome Rejections, and Discover Joy during Adversity
6:30 p.m., Blacksburg Books
With her book launch on International Women’s Day 2022, author Ally Shaw will discuss her book, "Chasing Tigers in the Dark," a raw and revealing memoir that explores her traumatic experiences while shining a light of hope on a beautiful love story proliferated from the ashes of a painful past. Hosted by Blacksburg Books.
The complete schedule of programs for weeks three through five, and additional information, can be found at the Women's Center website.
If you need accommodations for any of the programs or events listed in the calendar, please contact Anna LoMascolo by email or at 540-231-7806.
