Jane Kopas Women’s Center’s 25th Anniversary
The University of Scranton celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Jane Kopas Women’s Center at a luncheon held on campus in March. From left are: Anitra McShea, Ph.D., associate vice president for student life; Robert W. Davis Jr., Ed.D., vice president for student life; Maria R. Marinucci, director of the Cross Cultural Centers; University graduate Amy McKiernan, program speaker; University alumna and current graduate student Megan Barr, program speaker; Lauren S. Rivera, J.D., assistant vice president for student life and dean of students; Gerianne Barber, director of the Counselor Training Center and recipient of the Legacy Award; and Jean Wahl Harris, Ph. D., professor of political science and director of thewomen’s and gender studies program, who served as the keynote speaker.The University of Scranton celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Jane Kopas Women’s Center at a luncheon held on campus on March 2nd. The program included the presentation of the center’s inaugural Legacy Award to Gerianne Barber ’84, G’88, director of the Counselor Training Center at the University.
The Women’s Center at the University was established in 1994 to provide a forum on campus for exploring women’s issues and to address concerns of gender equality and justice. In 2001, the Campus Women’s Center was renamed after theology and religious studies professor M. Jane Kopas, Ph.D., to recognize her numerous and diverse contributions to improving the status of women on campus and in the greater Scranton community. Dr. Kopas, who served as the first director of the Campus Women’s Center, was among the first faculty members appointed to the University’s Committee on the Status of Women and was a key member of the group that developed the women’s studies concentration. She was also instrumental in developing the “Empty Place at the Table” memorial to women, children, and men who have lost their lives as a result of relationship violence. The Center continues to focus on advancing gender equity through education, awareness, and advocacy.
Jean Wahl Harris, Ph. D., professor of political science and director of the University’s women’s and gender studies program, served as the keynote speaker for the 25th anniversary celebration. University President Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., provided the invocation. Also speaking at the celebration were: Maria R. Marinucci, director of the University’s Cross Cultural Centers; Robert W. Davis Jr., Ed.D., vice president for student life, University graduates Amy McKiernan ’07 and Megan Barr ‘18, G’19, and Lauren S. Rivera, J.D., assistant vice president for student life and dean of students, who presented the Legacy Award to Barber.
Barber joined the staff at the University in 2004. She has supervised graduate students in counseling in several programs, including a shoplifting intervention program for first-time offenders, and Peacemakers, a free after school program for area children offered through the Leahy Community Health and Family Center. She has also served on the University’s Presidential Search Committee in 2017-2018 and is currently a member of the University’s Task Force on Healing, Reconciliation and Hope. Barber received the University’s Sursum Corda (Lift Up Your Hearts) Award in 2012. The award recognizes staff members who have made outstanding contributions to the life and mission of the University. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The University of Scranton.
