Women's programs announce joint fundraising
Spectrum Volume 20 Issue 29 - April 23, 1998
The Women's Studies Program and the Women's Center announced a joint fundraising campaign at a March 28 banquet for members of the university community and alumnae attending the first-ever Hillcrest Coed Reunion.
Patricia Hyer, associate provost, reflected on the many changes that have occurred at Virginia Tech for women, particularly in the most recent decade. Beginning with volunteer efforts by faculty women in the early 1980s, Women's Studies has grown to over 700 student enrollments and a vital community of scholars and teachers associated with the program.
The Women's Center, established in 1994, has become the focal point for a wide variety of campus and community activities and projects. The center has been especially successful in serving as a place for students to grow and develop through service learning, internships, and practica and it is a key unit in improving the campus climate. The two programs will be seeking endowment and operating funds to enhance their programs and increase opportunities for students.
The weekend's events were attended by nearly 90 alumnae from the classes of 1938 through 1975, almost all of whom lived in Hillcrest Hall when it served as the sole residence for women students. Alumni Affairs and the College of Human Resources and Education arranged a full slate of activities including opportunities to visit their former dorm, explore Wallace Hall, and talk with women faculty members about their research.
A highlight of the day was the mentoring lunch, hosted by the Division of Student Affairs, for current women students and the returning alumnae.