January 2021
Welcome back to the Spring Semester at ISU! Hopefully, you had a chance to relax and regain your balance over the winter break. In many ways it feels similar to the fall semester, with hybrid courses and Cyclones Care signs around campus. On the COVID-19 front, the pandemic continues, but vaccines are being rolled out to combat this health crisis.
We are also experiencing something new in our country which has a global impact. Last week, Kamala Harris was sworn in as the first female vice president, and the first Black American and person of South Asian descent to hold that office. (That’s a lot of firsts!)
This semester we will continue to fight for racial justice, gender equity, and inclusive practices in our teaching, research and outreach. As an anti-racist, intersectional, and feminist group, we strongly denounce the January 6th insurrection at the US Capitol Building where white supremacists and other extremist groups incited violence and fear in efforts to block certification of the 2020 Presidential election.
I am proud to lead this group of talented students, faculty, and staff in the Women’s and Gender Studies Program. They have worked hard under challenging conditions over the past year. You can read more about their accomplishments and activities below.
Please consider giving to our WGS scholarship funds which provide vital support to our students. Thank you! I look forward to seeing you soon.
Ann Oberhauser,
Director, Women’s and Gender Studies, Pronouns: she/her/hers