03/21/2025
SUNY Cortland will wrap up its celebration of Women’s History Month (WHM) through April 9 with a series of events that includes historical and cultural lectures, sandwich seminars and a more earth-friendly look at one essential aspect of being a woman.
For the remainder of February, WHM campus events will be posted online on the news website, in campus Bulletin, on the campus calendar and message screens. Events are free and open to the public.
This year’s theme, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” is based on the National Women’s History Alliance and spotlights the contributions women have made to the American educational system, the free marketplace of ideas and the very fabric of our democracy.
“This theme celebrates the collective strength and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership,” said Jessica Carrick-Hagenbarth, associate professor of economics, who organized the WHM events with Bekeh Ukelina, professor of history and Africana studies and director of the Center for Gender and Intercultural Studies; and Anisha Saxena, assistant professor of history.
From classrooms to boardrooms, and from grassroots movements to global initiatives, women educators and leaders have played a pivotal role in nurturing minds and inspiring transformative action.
“Through their efforts, they have served as an inspiration for all generations — both past and present,” Carrick-Hagenbarth said. “Throughout history, the process of information sharing has been a powerful catalyst for change. An honest, open examination of new insights and knowledge can create a framework for collaboration. This, in turn, promotes the well-being of groups, businesses, communities and society as a whole.”
Still to come include:
Tuesday, March 25
Roundtable: “Girls Online: An Investigation of the Creepypasta Phenomenon from Slenderman to ‘We’re All Going to the World’s Fair,’ and ‘Host’”
Moderator Caroline K. Kaltefleiter will join a panel of communication, media and cinema studies students to discuss how the digital age ushered in a new era of cultural phenomena, with the internet serving as a breeding ground for the proliferation of viral content and the emergence of unique subcultures. That includes the “creepypasta” culture, which refers to the online phenomenon of user-generated, horror-themed short stories or urban legends that are shared and spread across the internet (Brennan, 2015). Panelists will give short presentations to give context to a historical trajectory of the creepypasta phenomenon as grounded in the films “We’re All Going to the World’s Fair” and “Host.” Both films explore the incorporation of new media into digital livelihoods that illuminate a (re)structuring of socialization, particularly among teen girls. The panel will begin at 4:30 p.m. in Sperry Center Hobson Lecture Hall (Room 105).
Wednesday, March 26
Sandwich Seminar: “Devadasi Reform Movement in India”
In India, a devadasi is a female artist who is dedicated to the worship and service of a deity or a temple for the rest of her life. The dedication ceremony is somewhat similar to a marriage. In addition to taking care of the temple and performing rituals, these women also learn and practice classical Indian dances. Professor R. Mahalakshmi will give the presentation on this important movement in India. She serves at the Centre for Historical Studies, School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India, and is the sectional president of ancient India with the Indian History Congress. The seminar runs from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Old Main Colloquium.
Thursday, March 27
Sandwich Seminar/Roundtable: “Women Leaders in Higher Education”
SUNY Cortland assistant registrars Lisa Kennedy and Kristen Dushko will offer their stories, thoughts and suggestions regarding women trying to scale the ivory tower, from noon to 1 p.m. in Old Main Colloquium.
Wednesday, April 9
Tabling Events: “Period.”
Health and Wellness Promotion, Sustainability Office and Conley Wellness peer educators will be on hand from 1 to 3 p.m. in Neubig Hall lobby to inform campus community members about menstrual health and sustainability. We will explore eco-friendly period products, break stigmas and promote well-being for a healthier planet and body. Free period cups will be given away. Contact is health educator Lauren Scagnelli.