Department of Women, Gender & Sexuality

SPRING 2021

WGS 2100 Intro to Gender & Sexuality Studies

Linking Old-Age Justice and Racial Justice, Then and Now

A “short take” linking old-age justice and racial justice that was recently published by WGS Associate Professor Corinne Field and Cultural Critic Margaret Gullette.

Notre Dame Institute For Advanced Study Announces 2020-2021 Class Of Fellows

The University of Notre Dame’s Institute for Advanced Study (NDIAS) has selected 9 scholars to join its 2020-2021 class of faculty fellows. For the first time, NDIAS programming has been organized around a theme, with this year’s fellows focusing on the Nature of Trust.

Farzaneh Milani, Professor of Middle Eastern & South Asian Languages & Cultures and Women, Gender & Sexuality

Dear graduating students, we, in the Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality, are proud of you and your accomplishments. You never lost sight of your scholarly goals, yet at the same time, you continued to be some of the most socially conscious and politically alert students at this university. We salute your commitment to the welfare of the world we live in. We admire your unflinching dedication to the creation of a non-violent world for all. Go on, my friends, be a seeker after knowledge and enlightenment, after compassion and justice.

Bonnie Hagerman, Director of Undergraduate Programs and Assistant Professor, General Faculty, Women, Gender & Sexuality

To the WGS Graduates of 2020–

This is undoubtedly a challenging and stressful time, but I encourage you to remember the words of Wilma Rudolph, three-time Olympic gold medalist in 1960:

“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.”

Thank you for sharing your greatness and your spirit with WGS; you have inspired us with your dedication and passion. Hold onto those dreams and make sure you stay in touch in the months and years to come.

Doug Meyer, Assistant Professor of Women, Gender & Sexuality

Congratulations, WGS majors and minors! As you graduate, think of your WGS degree as helping to prepare you for life beyond your undergraduate education. While those voices questioning your choice in WGS may be powerful, feel confident that your WGS degree has helped prepare you for life after graduation. WGS students are particularly good at questioning and troubling standard modes of practice - think about your WGS training as providing you with these exemplary critical thinking skills. Oh, and try to celebrate - congrats, you made it!

Lanice Avery, Assistant Professor of Women, Gender & Sexuality and Psychology

Angela Davis said, "It is in collectivities that we find reservoirs of hope and optimism." Remember the powerful collectives that you formed during your time at UVA, and let them nourish you as you venture off into new worlds. We are our greatest asset in the face of injustice. I will keep fighting for your liberation, opportunities, health, and success and I know you will keep fighting for mine. Congratulations and welcome to the next edition!

Lisa Speidel, Assistant Professor, General Faculty of Women, Gender & Sexuality

It is OK to take time to figure out what you want to do in life! Keep researching and learning! There are many opportunities to use your knowledge from WGS, such as reproductive justice, LGBTQ+ rights, anti-racism work, or fighting against sexual and domestic violence. And remember, if you ever feel like you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a room with a mosquito! You all rock! Congratulations!

Andre Cavalcante, Associate Professor of Media Studies and WGS

"Congratulations class of 2020! I hope we have taught you to think critically, act responsibly, engage politically, and dream with a utopic impulse. It has been an honor and a pleasure to teach and work with you. My best wishes to all of you in the future! Now go out there and shake up the world!"

Cori Field ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF WOMEN, GENDER & SEXUALITY

The class of 2020 has shown remarkable resilience, creativity, and brilliance completing courses online. Though you’ve missed graduating in person, your talents and accomplishments shine bright. Congratulations!