Women’s Center’s 50th Anniversary
The University of Idaho Women’s Center Celebrates 50 years!
Founded on November 4, 1972, the University of Idaho's Women's Center is one of the longest-running, continuously operated campus-based women’s centers in the United States! For 50 years, we’ve been advocating for gender justice by providing innovative ways for students, staff, faculty, and local community members to learn more about social justice and enjoy a safe, comfortable place to gather, interact, and study. True to our founding mission, we're continuing to facilitate exceptional opportunities for deep learning and engaged activism in order to support and empower all individuals in building an inclusive and compassionate society.
In 2012, Gloria Steinem said we are “one of the most important women’s centers in the nation.” Founded at a time of rampant (and perfectly legal) gender-based discrimination, the individuals who worked tirelessly to address issues of gender equity at the University of Idaho risked their relationships, reputations and careers to do what was right and to lead the campaign that resulted in the establishment of the Women’s Center.
We’ve planned a spectacular series of programs and events to both honor the legacy of those who came before us and to inspire generations of future gender justice activists. We want YOU to be part of our celebrations! Please join us this academic year to honor and celebrate the important work of generations of feminist activists and community organizers.
Events
DismantALE Launch
The official release of DismantALE the Patriarchy was held at the Moscow Brewing Co. on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022. Over 250 people showed up for the event! DismantALE is a commemorative golden ale specially commissioned from the Micropolis Brewing Company to celebrate the Women’s Center’s 50 years of working for gender equity on campus and in the community! You can find the beer in several local businesses and a part of your purchase price will go towards the Women's Center.
A Timeline of Women's History
Sept. 26 to Oct. 7, 2022
Ground Floor Rotunda, Idaho Student Union Building, University of Idaho-Moscow campus
For two weeks, the ISUB Rotunda hosted a timeline display of original student artwork illustrating the contributions of Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color to the women’s rights movement.
Winning Artists:
- Jada Ponce, "Una Mujer Valiente"
- Zoey Wonenberg, "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement"
- Juliana Nelson, "Chrisholm's Run"
A Retrospective of the Women’s Center Leadership
Sept. 28, 2022 via Zoom, 5:30-6:30 p.m. PST
A panel of past and present University of Idaho Women’s Center directors sharing memories and insights relating to the major concerns and events of their term. Panelists reflected on how their vision helped shape the center’s focus during their tenure and discussed the important initiatives they promoted.
Student Meet & Greet with Ijeoma Oluo
Oct. 5, 2022
Up-close-and-personal meet and greet with our 50th Anniversary keynote speaker and University of Idaho Common Read author, Ijeoma Oluo. Students were able to ask questions and gain insight from one of the most prominent antiracism educators of our time.
An Evening with Ijeoma Oluo
Oct. 5, 2022, 7 p.m. PST
ICCU Arena, University of Idaho-Moscow
The keynote address by Ijeoma Oluo, commemorative speaker for the Women’s Center’s 50th anniversary celebration and author of the University of Idaho’s Common Read for 2022-2023. Learn more about our speaker and watch the keynote.
History of LGBTQ Programs at the University of Idaho
Oct. 19, 2022 via Zoom, 12:30-1:30 p.m. PST
A panel of former and current directors and previous interns and work-study students of the LGBTQA Office reflecting on the origins of the office in the Women’s Center, challenges and triumphs, and future directions.
The Women’s Center: Looking Back at 50 Years of Advocacy and Service
Nov. 1, 2022, 12:30-1:30 p.m. PST
CLASS Annex Room 13
This program is part of the 2022-2023 Malcolm M. Renfrew Interdisciplinary Colloquium series
Founded in November 1972, the University of Idaho Women’s Center is one of the longest-running, continuously operating campus-based women’s centers in the nation. For 50 years, the Center has provided innovative and engaging ways for students, staff, faculty and local community members to learn more about women’s and gender issues, and to access different types of support. Join Lysa Salsbury, the current director of the Women’s Center, and Kay Keskinen, U of I retiree and longtime friend of the center, to hear about the complaint of gender-based discrimination filed against the University of Idaho that brought about the founding of the center. Learn how the programs for which the center is known originated, discover how its various support services evolved, and help us set the stage for another 50 years of serving our Vandal community.
Title IX at the University of Idaho
Nov. 9, 2022 via Zoom, 5:30-6:30 p.m. PST
Join us for a conversation exploring the changes, improvements and ongoing challenges of the University of Idaho women's athletic programs since the implementation of Title IX. Participants include the first Director of Women's Athletics and the current Director of Athletics, as well as the first female student-athlete to receive an athletic scholarship and a current female student-athlete. Hear their stories and experiences of how Title IX helped shape their athletic paths.
Equity Extravaganza Silent Auction
Dec. 2-16, 2022
Online at virtualauction.bid/WomensCenter50th
Bid on a wide range of unique feminist collectibles and memorabilia, art and other luxury items donated by local area businesses. Sought-after items include original copies of Ms. Magazine signed by Gloria Steinem, gift certificates from local women-owned businesses, work by women artists and creators, items of historical interest and more.
Feminist Festivities 50th Anniversary Gala
Dec. 2, 2022, 6-10 p.m. PST
Great Room, 1912 Center, 412 E. 3rd Street, Moscow
Join the Women’s Center and Friends for a terrific shindig celebrating 50 years of working for gender justice on campus and in the community. Enjoy a no-hosted bar, a complimentary hors d’oeuvres buffet catered by Mikey’s Gyros, One World Café and Goose House Bakery, with live music by The Chelseas and dance music courtesy of TabiKat Productions.
Tickets are free, but space is limited. Register for your ticket online.
Equity Extravaganza Silent Auction
Dec. 2 through Dec. 16, 2022
Online at https://virtualauction.bid/WomensCenter50th
Bid on a wide range of unique feminist collectibles and memorabilia, art and other luxury items donated by local area businesses. Sought-after items include original copies of Ms. Magazine signed by Gloria Steinem, gift certificates from local women-owned businesses, work by women artists and creators, items of historical interest and more.
Pack the Stands!
Jan. 21, 2023, 6 p.m. PST
ICCU Arena, University of Idaho-Moscow
Women Vandals Basketball vs. University of Northern Colorado. Join us to honor the 50th anniversary of the University of Idaho Women’s Center and the passage of Title IX at this commemorative “70s Night” Vandal Athletics women’s home basketball game. General Admission tickets will be available at a special promotional rate of two for one. Past and current high school and college athletes are warmly encourage to wear their letters, and there will be special half-time tributes and prizes. Celebrate with us! Visit GoVandals.com/Tickets and use promo codes 70SNITE or TITLEIX to purchase tickets.
Women’s Center Staff Speak
5:30-6:30 p.m. PST Feb. 15, 2023 via Zoom
Join us for a reunion of old friends and former colleagues. A panel of past and current Women’s Center staff members, including student staff, and constituents will share their experiences of how the center’s programming activities and outreach have evolved over the years. Hear about the origins of important and enduring programs such as Take Back the Night, The Vagina Monologues, LunaFest and the Women’s Leadership Conference, among others.
Women’s History at University of Idaho
Main Library, ground floor lobby area
University of Idaho — Moscow
Explore a specially curated display of memorabilia, documents and other artifacts that relate to women’s history at University of Idaho.
Reflecting on the Impact of the Women’s Center
5:30-6:30 p.m. PST, Wednesday, March 22, 2023, via Zoom
A panel of interns, past and current students and friends of the Women’s Center will share the impact of their involvement with the center through the years. Learn how the Women’s Center has supported faculty and staff and boosted women’s outdoor programming. Hear about the center's role as a home base for student organizations such as F.L.A.M.E. and 25+ Vandals and its support of the growth of the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies program.
Paying Tribute to Our Feminist Founders
April 19, 2023 via Zoom, 5:30-6:30 p.m. PST
The final program in our 50th anniversary webinar series will feature a panel of the surviving signers of the Conciliation Agreement and former U of I administrators. Panelists will share their perspectives on the significance of the agreement and the changes it brought about in the campus culture and climate for women.
50th Anniversary Planning Committee Members
- Aarika Dobbins, Management Assistant, College of Engineering
- Beth Ropski, Academic Advisor & Retention Specialist, College of Agricultural & Life Sciences
- Denessy Rodriguez, Program Coordinator, Office of Multicultural Affairs
- Dulce Kersting-Lark, Head, Special Collections & Archives, U of I Libraries
- Elizabeth Kang, Administrative Coordinator, Movement Sciences
- Eric Anderson, Interim Director, Career Services
- Erin Chapman, Clinical Associate Professor, Family & Consumer Sciences
- Jane Pritchett, former JAMM faculty (retired) and longtime friend of the Women’s Center
- Jeana Moody, Program Coordinator, Women's Center
- Jeanette Orozco, Retention Specialist, Office of Multicultural Affairs & CAMP
- Julia Ames, Communications Specialist, Office of Technology Transfer
- Katelyn Hettinga, Student, ASUI
- Kay Keskinen, former ITS staff member (retired) and longtime friend of the Women’s Center
- KT Turner, Doctoral Student in History and Women's Center 50th Anniversary intern
- Lysa Salsbury, Director, Women's Center
- Maureen Taylor, former Associate Director of Athletics (retired) and longtime friend of the Women's Center
- Nancy Nydegger, Owner of Just Trade and longtime friend of the Women’s Center
- Omni Francetich, Office Manager, Women's Center
- Rachel Norris, OVW Grant Project Director, Women's Center
- Robert Perret, Library Faculty
- Sean McIlraith, Administrative Coordinator, Athletics
- Yolanda Bisbee, Chief Diversity Officer & Executive Director of Tribal Relations
Thank You
This year-long series of events is made possible with generous financial sponsorship and support from many campus and community partners and donors. If your organization, department, office, or unit would like to contribute to the Women’s Center’s 50th anniversary celebrations, please contact Lysa Salsbury at lsalsbur@uidaho.edu. Individual gifts may be made through our giving page at https://uandigive.uidaho.edu/project/29984
Sponsors
Platinum Level donors have given $5,000 or more to support the Women’s Center’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences
Kay Keskinen
Teita Reveley & Thomas Reveley, Dianne Daley Laursen & Steven Daley-Laursen
Gold Level donors have pledged $1,000-4,999 to support the Women’s Center’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
University of Idaho Department of History
University of Idaho Africana Studies
University of Idaho College of Natural Resources
University of Idaho Libraries
University of Idaho College of Art and Architecture
University of Idaho Advancement
University of Idaho College of Law
Anonymous donation by a longtime Friend of the Women's Center
Jane Pritchett
Jo Ellen Force & Ronald Force
Just Trade
Silver Level donors have pledged $500-999 to support the Women’s Center’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Moscow Food Co-op’s Change for Good Program
College of Graduate Studies
College of Engineering
College of Agricultural & Life Sciences
Bruce Pitman & Kathy Pitman
Heather Shea
Jeannie Harvey
Kari Galloway & Paul Stern
Shauna Corry
Bronze Level donors have pledged $250-499 to support the Women’s Center’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
College of Science
Brian Feucht
Charlene & Dan Ewart
Debra Winch Hayes
Gary Williams & Joy Passanante
Kent Nelson
Kim & Stefan Yauchzee
Kristine Roby & Rodney Frey
Lysa & Tom Salsbury
Moscow Food Co-op
Nicole Lichtenberg
Peggy Jenkins & Jay Feldman
Sarah Nelson & Tim Gresback
We are deeply grateful to all of our friends and supporters for their generous gifts to our 50th Anniversary celebrations.
Mikey's Gyros
Alan & Cari Espenschade
Alan MacPhee & Melinda Miller
Amanda Bronowski
Amy & Frederick Ford
Andrew Stibal
Ann Barrington
Ann Hart & Richard Hart
Anne Zabala
Anne-Marie Fulfer & Sunil Ramalingam
Archie George & Mary George
August Stadtfeld
Beth Ropski
Bill & Kari Smith
Billy Adhikurnia
Bobbi Hughes
Brianne & Bill Suldovsky
Carly Schoepflin
Casey Jeffery
Casey Johnson
Cecelia Luschnig
Christina Lords
Christine & Joseph Gilmore
Christine Schreiber
Christine Wall
Christopher Jones
Collett Pruitt
Corey Oglesby
Cori Planagan & Mitch Parks
Corinne Lyle
Corrin Bond
Dana Banks
Daniel Carlos
David & Nancy Nelson
Dawn Tachell
Debb Thorne
Debbie McLaughlin
Deborah Sullivan
Debra & Kane Francetich
Deena Bayoumi
Deena Lumia
Diane Kelly-Riley & Michael Riley
Diane Prorak & Al Poplawsky
Donald & Karen Burnett
Donald Stanziano
Dulce Kersting-Lark & Tonda Lark
Eija & Scott Sumner
Elli Smith
Emily Melbourn
Emily Tuschhoff
Erica Alessio
Erin & Joshua Tomlin
Erin Chapman
Erin Connolly
Evelina Arevalos & Jesse Martinez
Heather Maib & Robert Bromley
Heidi Kayler
Jamie Garlinghouse
Jane Langenes
Jane Lear
Jeff Smith
Jeffrey Nelson
Jennifer Adams
Jenny & Michael Kostroff
Jessica Bearman
Joan & George Klingler
Joe Hewa
Joseba Perez Guerrero
Juhee Kim
Julia & Leanna Keleher
Julia Ames
Julie Miller
Kailen Skewis
Karen Lewis
Katarina Hockema
Kathleen Hardcastle
Kathryn Robinson-Tay
Kathy Aiken & Joseph Schwartz
Kristin Haltinner
Laena Huffaker
Lane Alexander-Buck
Laura Jenkins
Laura Putsche & Don Tyler
Leo Rivera
Leontina Hormel & Chris Norden
Liddy Kang
Lorie Higgins
Lorri Van Buggenum
Louise Regelin
Louise Todd
Lynn McAlister
Mac Murphy
Mary Clancy
Mary Rivetti
Maureen Taylor Regan & Don Regan
Megan Litke
Melinda McAllister
Mercedes & Jaime Frausto
Meredith Metsker
Michelle Norris
Nathan Barham
Paige Zarogoza-Davies
Pat & Dan Rathmann
Pat Fuerst & Patricia Jessup
Patty & Wesley Carscallen
Phyllis & Victor Melnyk
Pour Company
Rebecca Frost
Rebecca Rod
Rebekka Boysen-Taylor
Rei Latri
Sage Francetich
Samantha Futhey
Sandra Kelly
Sandy Stadtfeld
Sara Zaske
Sarah Davis
Sarah Maloney
Stacy Isenbarger
Susan Irvin
Susan Zenier
Tammy Bonney
Tara & Timothy Roberts
Tara Hudiburg
The Moscow Brewing Co.
Trevor Fulton & Whitney Schroeder
Victor Canales-Gamino