Celebrating Women’s History Month 2024

As we enter the month of March, we are reminded of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions of women throughout history. At Gonzaga, we proudly embrace this opportunity to honor Women's History Month.

Reflecting on our past, we recognize that it was not until the 1940s that women were first welcomed as students into our academic community. This milestone marked a significant turning point in our history. Since then, the presence and contributions of women at GU have been instrumental in shaping our vibrant community and driving positive change. From students to faculty members, administrators to alumni, women have played pivotal roles in advancing our mission of academic excellence, social justice and service to others.

We honor those who paved the way for gender equality within our University and beyond. We recognize the resilience, courage and determination of the women who have overcome barriers and shattered stereotypes to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world. Moreover, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all members of our community, regardless of gender, feel empowered to thrive and succeed.

EVENTS

The Revolutionists: A Staged Reading. Enjoy this biting comedy set during the French Revolution and featuring four women – an assassin, a playwright, a former French queen and a Haitian rebel – as they try to beat back the extremist insanity of Paris in 1793. Friday, March 1, 7:30 p.m., Magnuson Theater, $10.

Symposium on the Past, Present and Future of Chicano/a Studies: An Inland Northwest Summit in Honor of Dr. Deena González. This symposium will bring together scholars, students, and community members for conversations related to Chicano/a History and Chicano/a Studies in honor of the work and legacy of Dr. Deena González. Saturday, March 2, 1-5:30 p.m., Hemmingson Auditorium.

2024 William J. Davis Lecture Presents: The Women in My Life by Dr. Deena González. González was one of many second-generation feminist scholars who first tackled the difficult work of exploring archives and telling stories through the eyes of a Chicana lived experience. She is completing a book on one of the women’s stories she will examine in this year’s lecture. Saturday, March 2, 7 p.m., Hemmingson Auditorium, free.

Visiting Writer Series: Laura Read. GU alumnae Read is a poet and educator living in Spokane. She is the author of Dresses from the Old Country, Instructions for my Mother’s Funeral and The Chewbacca on Hollywood Boulevard Reminds Me of You. She teaches writing and literature at Spokane Falls Community College and served as poet laureate of Spokane. Thursday, March 21, 4:30 p.m., College Common in the Humanities Building, free.

Women’s History Month 2024: Her-Story of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Foley Library has partnered with Social Justice Peer Educator Stefanie Marlow to showcase the fight for equity, diversity, and inclusion by women throughout history. This inspiring display features the stories of diverse women alongside books highlighting their accomplishments and a lilac art piece symbolizing the strength of local women. Visit the display and explore the online guide to learn more about these remarkable women and their contributions to society.

RESOURCES

Explore how several organizations are recognizing women in history:

National Endowment for the Humanities
National Archives
National Park Service
Smithsonian American Women's History Museum
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
International Women's Day