Women's Forum 2013
In honor of Women's History Month, Roanoke College will host the 7th Annual Women's Forum throughout the month of March 2013. This annual celebration will include films, lectures, discussions, exhibitions, performances and other events that feature or focus on women in areas across the liberal arts. Please check back often, as events are continuing to be added.
Wednesday, March 13, 7:30pm, Wortmann Ballroom, Colket Center
Women's Forum 2013 Kickoff - Zach Wahls - Author of "My Two Moms"
What makes a family? Zach Wahls tried to answer that question when he testified before the Iowa House Judiciary Committee in 2011. The son of two lesbian mothers, the University of Iowa engineering student had no idea that his heartfelt testimony that day would spread like viral wildfire. Two days after he testified, a YouTube video of his testimony went viral, attracting nearly 2 million views with millions more via Facebook, Twitter, national and international television and other online media. Wahls offers a bold perspective on an always contentious issue--gay marriage. You'll laugh, you may even cringe, and no matter your thoughts on marriage equality in our country, you'll walk away with a new perspective. This event is sponsored by the Sociology Department, College Democrats and the Office of Community Programs and Special Events.
Thursday, March 14, 12:00pm, Wortmann Ballroom, Colket Center
International Women's Day Luncheon
"Celebrating Women's Achievements, Gifts, Diversity, and Roles in Society"
A panel of students from countries including Kenya, Peru, China, Georgia, the Bahamas, and the U.S. will talk about how opportunities for women are changing in their countries. An international buffet luncheon will be served. Free and open to all RC students, faculty, and staff but seating is limited and reservations are required. Students can reserve a seat by signing up at the Colket Center Information Desk or e-mailing Brittany Corn (corn@roanoke.edu). Faculty and staff can reserve a seat by e-mailing Janice Weeks (weeks@roanoke.edu). Sponsored by Multicultural Affairs, International Education, Sociology, and Gender and Women's Studies.
Thursday, March 14, 12:00-1:00pm, Kime Meeting Room, Colket Center and
Tuesday, March 19, 12:00-1:00pm, Garrett Meeting Room, Colket Center
"Are All Guys Assholes?" Book Club
Join HEAT and Honors in a lively book discussion that will confirm or perhaps restore one's faith in young men in the dating scene. The book club will discuss the book Are All Guys Assholes?: More Than 1,000 Guys in 10 Cities Reveal Why They're Not, Why They Sometimes Act Like They Are, and How Understanding Their ... Will Solve Your Guy Drama Once and For All by Amber Madison. Madison will be on campus on March 27 for a public address on the topic. Books will be distributed to those interested before Spring Break. Sponsored by the RC Honors Program and Health Education Awareness Team (HEAT). Contact Sandy McGhee for details.
Thursday, March 14, 4:30pm, Kime Meeting Room, Colket Center
Reader Performativity: Border Hopping as a Tool to Enrich One's Moral Life
A reader of short stories is exposed to unique ethical complexities, especially when dealing with untranslated works. Using the work of Rosario Ferre, Dr. Minerva Ahumada will address these complexities, as well as explain how grappling with such issues can deepen and improve a reader's moral life. This event is sponsored by the D.L. Jordan Endowment for the Humanities.
Thursday, March 14, 6:00pm, Pickle Lounge, Colket Center
From the Table to the Grave: Using Animal Bones to Uncover Past Human Behavior
Kristen Gardella has spent more than 19 years working on archaeological sites throughout North, Central and South America. She is currently the project zooarchaeologist for a multidisciplinary investigation studying climate change and early hunter-gatherer societies in the high Peruvian Andes. Sponsored by the Anthropology Concentration and the Department of Fine Arts.
Monday, March 18, 7:00pm, Pickle Lounge, Colket Center
Women's Self Defense Class
Don't be a victim, learn to defend yourself! Students can participate in a live workshop that demonstrates practical self-defense techniques that can be used in daily life. Sponsored by Roanoke College's Campus Activities Board.
Tuesday, March 19, 3:00-4:00pm, Mill Mountain Coffee, Salem.
Coffee Shop Conversations - Women in the Work Force: Balancing, Challenging, Progressing
Hosted by the Honors Program.
Wednesday, March 20, 7:30pm, Pickle Lounge, Colket Center
Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide
Discover the landmark movement that is galvanizing people to fight for the end of oppression of women and girls worldwide. Hidden in the overlapping problems of sex trafficking and forced prostitution, gender-based violence, and maternal mortality is the single most vital opportunity of our time - and women are seizing it. From Somaliland to Cambodia to Afghanistan, women's oppression is being confronted head on and real, meaningful solutions are being fashioned. Change is happening, and it's happening now. Learn more about Roanoke College's Half the Sky initiatives.
Thursday, March 21, 12:00-1:00pm, Chaplain's Office
Women's Spirituality Group - Walking with Mindfulness
Come join us for lunch discussion "Walking with Mindfulness". Living with more awareness and immediacy is key to staying vibrant. It is also a pathway to an increased sensitivity to God's presence. All women are welcome to join our group discussion as we explore ways to be more mindful of our daily encounters and experiences. Lunch provided. Walk-ins are welcomed but RSVP is helpful in planning lunch. For more information, please call Kathy Russo 375-2300.
Thursday, March 21, 7:00pm, Pickle Lounge, Colket Center
Film Screening and Discussion - "The Education of Shelby Knox"
"The Education of Shelby Knox" is a Sundance award-winning film that chronicles Shelby's high school activism for comprehensive sex education and the establishment of a Gay Straight Alliance in her conservative hometown. This event is sponsored by the college's Sociology Department, Health Educators Awareness Team and the Office of Community Programs with Planned Parenthood Health Systems, Inc.
Friday, March 22, 12:00-1:00pm, Antrim Chapel
Praying the Stations with the Women of the World
These stations were written as a way to walk in solidarity with women living in global poverty, often the sole caregivers of their children, women living in oppression, addiction, homelessness, abuse, etc. They represent the suffering Christ in our midst. Praying the Stations will take place from 12-12:30pm - discussion (optional) from 12:30-1:00pm. Bring a bag lunch for discussion time. All are welcome to join us on Friday, March 22 at 12 pm in Antrim Chapel at Roanoke College. For more information contact Kathy Russo, Chaplain's Office 375-2300.
Monday, March 25, 7:30pm, Wortmann Ballroom, Colket Center
Hispanic Women in Exile: The Quest for a Voice
This is a poetry performance to acknowledge Hispanic women who had to endure political and cultural exiles from Spain and Latin AMerica. Their poetic voices allude to displacement, social and cultural (des)integration, and political denunciation. Presented by the Modern Languages Department students. For more information contact Dr. Jose Banuelos-Montes.
Wednesday, March 27, 5:00pm, Pickle Lounge, Colket Center 
Phi Beta Kappa Charter Week Speaker
Diana Taylor, "The Politics of Passion"
Diana Taylor is University Professor and professor of performance studies and Spanish at NYU, as well as founding director of the Hemispheric Institute of Performance and Politics. She has edited over a dozen books and is the author of the award-winning Theatre of Crisis: Drama and Politics in Latin America; Disappearing Acts: Spectacles of Gender and Nationalism in Argentina's 'Dirty War'; and, most recently, The Archive and the Repertoire: Performing Cultural Memory in the Americas (Outstanding Book, Association for Theatre in Higher Education; Kovacs Prize for an outstanding book in the field of Latin American and Spanish literatures and cultures, MLA). She has two books forthcoming in Spanish: Performance and Acciones de Memoria. She lectures extensively around the world and is the recipient of many awards and fellowships, including a Guggenheim in 2005. This event is sponsored by the Phi Beta Kappa Society.
Wednesday, March 27, 7:30pm, Wortmann Ballroom, Colket Center
Women's Forum 2013 Finale
Amber Madison - Dating and Relationship Expert
Back By Popular Demand! Amber came to campus two years ago talking straight about Hooking Up, Dating and Sex. She was so popular that she is back to discuss her latest book, Are All Guys Assholes?: More Than 1,000 Guys in 10 Cities Reveal Why They're Not, Why They Sometimes Act Like They Are, and How Understanding Their ... Will Solve Your Guy Drama Once and For All! This event is sponsored by the Office of Community Programs, HEAT and the RC Panhellenic Council.
Thursday, March 28, 12:00pm, Massengill Auditorium
Panel on Women and Faith
A discussion on the role in which faith/non-faith traditions play in the advancement of gender equality and understanding. Join the conversation as we explore the perspectives and experiences of several women from the Roanoke College community as they share their stories of inspiration, exclusion, and ideas of how faith/non-faith traditions can help bridge the gap between the sexes. Hosted by the Interfaith Council of Roanoke College.
