SMC sponsors week to celebrate women
By EMILY FORD
News Writer
Saint Mary's is educating its students outside the classroom this week with the series "Celebrating Women — Mind, Body and Soul." It features a variety of events sponsored by various departments and aims to increase awareness of intellectual, physical and spiritual issues.
The week begins with tonight's presentation by Rebecca Walker, writer, editor and cofounder of the Third Wave Foundation, the only national philanthropic activist organization for young women. Her latest book, "Black, White & Jewish: Autobiography of a Shifting Self" provides material for her speech, "Growing Up Multiracial & Changing the Face of Feminism."
Walker's presentation and book signing will begin at 7 p.m. in Carroll Auditorium.
"She's considered one of the most audible voices of young women," said Marie Willis, assistant director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. "Basically, we want to be able to acknowledge the needs of students, bringing diversity on campus and bringing diversity into the community."
The week continues with its holistic approach to women's well-being with the services provided by the Counseling and Career Development Center. In addition to the Center's normal hours, there will be counselors available Tuesday from 12 to 1:30 p.m. and Thursday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. to talk with students who are concerned about their eating patterns and body images.
"We work with individual students on a daily basis who have difficulty with body image and food issues," said Kristina Pendley, assistant director of Counseling and Career Development Center
As another part of the series, the Athletic Department and Student Activities Board are sponsoring "Food For Thought: What to Eat, When to Eat, And How to Talk About Food," a lecture given by registered dietitian Dawn Fulmer.
Athletic director Lynn Kachmarik hopes that students will come away with a new attitude about food and exercise.
"I hope they walk away realizing that some of the dietary issues that they may be struggling with are also society issues at large ... I hope that the speaker will also help our women to see that they can eat healthy in our dining hall," Kachmarik said.
This series also explores women's attitudes towards God. Campus Ministry is sponsoring "Seasonal Preparation for Lent and Easter: An Evening of Reflection" and "Communal Praise and Gospel Worship." Beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, students will be able to take part in discussion about Lent.
"This is an evening of relaxed prayer and conversation that will focus on several symbols that are central to the Church's celebration of Lent, Triduum, and the whole 50 days of the Easter Season," campus minister Sr. Elizabeth Smoyer said.
The "Communal Praise and Gospel Worship" will take place Thursday at 9:30 p.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel in Holy Cross Hall. Smoyer hopes it will be a chance for all members of the community to unite.
"This is a student-led prayer celebration that honors the faith, devotion, strength and challenge of African American men and women," said Smoyer. "This is an opportunity for the racial majority members of our community to stand in solidarity with women of color on our campus and to learn from an experience that is not their own."
In addition to exploring the Catholic faith, this week students will also be able to exhibit Catholic charity. Health Services is coordinating the clothing drive "Don't fight your genes, Just change your jeans." Blue jean collection boxes are located in each residence hall to be donated to St. Margaret House. Nurse Cyndie Cavanaugh hopes that this drive will benefit the recipients as well as the donators.
"It's kind of a fun awareness concept that we're all given a set of genes and instead of worrying about body genes ... it's easier to change your jeans than to fret about your genes," Cavanaugh said.
With each pair donated, students place a raffle ticket in the pocket for prizes from local salons, Saint Mary's Inn and movie theaters. The drive ends with the raffle drawing on March 1.
Contact Emily Ford at ford6504@saintmarys.edu
All News Stories for Monday, February 25, 2002
