Ball State University's Women's Week begins today as President Jo Ann Gora, the university's first female president, prepares for her inauguration.
"Since only about 15 percent of university presidents are women, I think becoming Indiana's first woman president is significant," Gora said. "However, I would hope that I am remembered for my accomplishments and not that I happen to be a woman. What I am able to do at BSU is far more important than my gender."
Gora said she was invited and looking forward to participating in the opening ceremony for Women's Week, but she is unable to be present because it conflicts with inauguration preparations. Gov. Mitch Daniels will officially inaugurate Gora as Ball State's president at a ceremony Tuesday in the Indiana Statehouse.
"As you can imagine, the governor's schedule is very complex, and the dates he was available coincided with Women's Week," Gora said.
The purpose of the week, which ends National Women's History Month, is to raise awareness of women's accomplishments, said Julee Rosser, Women's Week chairperson.
"So many times, women become marginalized, and it's important to showcase the women that are making such headway," Rosser said.
More than 70 student organizations, academic departments, colleges and individuals are sponsoring the week's 17 events. Rosser said the week features more local people this year to bring attention to women in the Muncie community.
"I was just so impressed and so were the students [and] the Women's Week committee by what local people are doing, and that's why we showcase them," Rosser said. "Sometimes we know what's going on all around the world but don't know what's going on in our community -- some of the heroes and the people that are here."
Women's Week begins today at 12 p.m. with a film screening of "Iron Jawed Angels" by Katja von Garnier, which tells the story of a group of passionate young women who risked their lives to fight for women's issues.
Phyllis Bartleson, Ball State alumna and executive director of the Muncie Human Rights Commission, will speak at 3 p.m. Tuesday in a presentation called, "One Woman's Perspective: Life, Racism and Discrimination."
Bea Moten-Foster, owner and publisher of The Muncie Times, will give a presentation called "From Selma to Muncie: I Could Have Been Rosa Parks" at 2 p.m. Wednesday. Ball State will also host LUNAFEST for the first time at 6:30 p.m. The festival will feature short films highlighting women's issues, such as sexuality, spirituality and self-image, said Meghan Newlund, Rho Lambda sorority president.
"The benefits would be to raise awareness on the Ball State campus of the issues that women are facing around us and to know that these types of situations occur on campus," Newlund said.
On Thursday, author and motivational speaker Pegine Echevarria will give a speech entitled, "Journey from the Streets to Success" as part of the Latino Student Union's awareness month. The week will end at 8 p.m. Friday with Ball State University's Women Composers, which will feature musical pieces by students and faculty.
This year's Women's Week will also celebrate the beginning of the undergraduate major in women's studies at Ball State last fall, Rosser said. Gora said she looks forward to participating in the Women's Studies Programs in the future.
"It is important to recognize the achievements of women," Gora said, "and by setting aside this week, it commits time out of our fast-paced lives to honor and reflect the contributions of women in our society."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
