Celebrating Women's History Month
In 2001, the University renames its Women’s Center in honor of its founder, Jane Kopas, Ph.D., to recognize her influential work in advancing women's advocacy on campus. Kopas, shown at far left, began her career at the University in 1978 and contributed to the progress of both the women’s studies program and the committee on the status of women. She established the center in 1994, just prior to her retirement. Photo: University Press Release, 2001By: Elizabeth Vander Neut, student correspondent
The University of Scranton celebrates this Women's History Month by recognizing the achievements of women throughout the institution's history. Continuing to promote the advancement of future generations of Royals, the Cultural Centers will host a series of events under the theme “Moving Forward Together."
A History of Progress
The University of Scranton’s commitment to gender equality has been marked by decades of milestones:
1971: Women were formally admitted to full-time undergraduate programs, sparking a notable increase in applications. The class of 1976 became the first to include female graduates who entered as full-time students.
1970s-1980s: Women's athletics gained momentum, with University teams excelling in competition within just a decade.
1980: Karen Pennington '76 became the first woman appointed as associate dean, paving the way for female leaders on campus.
1985: Women comprised 48 percent of the University's graduating class, reflecting the impact of increased female enrollment. It was also the largest graduating class of its time.
1991: The University approved a concentration in women’s studies, strengthening its academic focus on gender issues.
2001: The Women’s Center was renamed in honor of its founder, Jane Kopas, Ph.D., to recognize her influential work in advancing women's advocacy on campus.
View a pictorial timeline recognizing women's contributions to the life of the University.
Looking Ahead
The Cultural Centers will host a series of events under the theme “Moving Forward Together” to honor these contributions and engage the University community.
Highlighting this observance is the upcoming event, “Rooted & Rising – An Intersectional Celebration of the Feminine,” scheduled for Wednesday, March 12 at 6 p.m. in the DeNaples Center, Room 407. This event will provide uplifting performances, dialogue and activities to foster empowerment among women on campus.
For more information on upcoming events and how to participate, contact the Cultural Centers at jkwc@scranton.edu.
