NEWS RELEASE

5/11/01

Shelley Lee, Feminist Studies Department. (408) 499-0443; shelleyl@stanford.edu

Meredith Alexander, News Service (650) 725-0224; mfa@stanford.edu

Feminist studies plans reunion for its 20th anniversary

Twenty years ago, Stanford initiated the first program in feminist studies in the country. Since then, more than 100 Stanford students have graduated with degrees in the field. On Friday, June 1, current and former students, faculty and staff will celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the establishment of the Program in Feminist Studies at Stanford at a day-long symposium and reunion, to be held in Tresidder Union's Oak Lounge from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will include panels on feminist studies and education, alliance building, the arts and politics. In addition to the panels ­ which will feature current and former students, faculty and staff ­ attendees can join lunchtime discussion groups on the panel topics and others on spirituality, science, and work and family.

The day's events also will include an opening welcome and closing remarks by current program co-directors Estelle Freedman, professor of history, and Penny Eckert, professor of linguistics. The closing reception will feature live music by alumna Jennie McKnight.

Alumnae panelists include Laura Kay, professor of astronomy and women's studies at Barnard College; investigative journalist Noelle Hanrahan; and legislative aid Ana Matasantos. Graduate students Celine Parrenas Shimizu from the Program in Modern Thought and Literature and Kim Warren from the Department of History also will speak on panels. Former program directors Sylvia Yanagisako, professor of cultural and social anthropology, and Diane Middlebrook, professor of English, will participate in scheduled events, along with Yvonne Yarbro-Bejarano, professor of Spanish and Portuguese; Lisa Webb, assistant dean for multicultural graduate student services in the School of Humanities and Sciences; and Rabbi Patricia Karlin-Neumann, associate dean for religious life.

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