Welcome to the Gender and Women’s Studies and LGBTQ+ Studies celebration of December 2023 graduates. You will find a few words from Judy Houck, the Department Chair, and Keisha Lindsay, Director of Graduate Studies. There are also wonderful quotes and photos from graduates.
Find more celebration on the Commencement website and remember to hashtag your social media with #UWGrad. Best wishes as you graduate. Stay in touch. We love to hear how you are doing and what you are doing in post-graduate life.
To All of Our Graduates –
Congratulations on your graduation! I encourage you to reflect on all you’ve learned and accomplished during your time with us. The articles read, the papers written, the questions asked, the beliefs reconsidered, the deadlines met. The path has not always been clear or easy, and yet you have arrived at this moment. Celebrate your terrific work!
We love that you have included the Department of Gender and Women’s Studies on your journey. Your passion, determination, and resiliency have inspired us all. We can’t wait to see what you do as you take on the next big thing! Forward!
– Judy Houck, Evjue-Bascom Professor and Chair in the Department of Gender and Women’s Studies and Professor in the Department of History
To Graduating MA Students –
Happy Graduation! I wish you much success as you work toward your GWS-inspired dreams and goals. Go into the world and do well, but most importantly, go into the world and do good!
– Keisha Lindsay, Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in Gender and Women’s Studies and Professor of Political Science
GWS Majors
Isabel Garlough-Shah
GWS has taught me...
The world is expansive and complex. Throughout my undergraduate career, the courses I've taken in GWS have shown me how systemic issues can go beyond face value and run deep in historical hatred and oppression. These courses have also shown me where feminist movements have succeeded and failed in inclusion and fights for equality. In short my GWS major has taught me to be an explorative learner, compassionate listener, and relentless fighter.
Jordan Weid
GWS has taught me...
underneath everything, being a student, being a worker, being a member of society, I am a human being first. My GWS instructors encouraged and nourished my growth, self-exploration, healing, and compassion for myself and others. I learned how to think critically in a way I never knew was possible, and I feel extremely well-suited to go out into the world and carry with me the countless lessons, readings, and discussions that have tended the ever-expanding garden of my mind. My time in the GWS department has fundamentally changed the way I see the world, and words can not express how grateful I am for the opportunity to graduate with this degree.
Katarina Wickman
GWS has taught me...
there is so much love and positivity and hope out there, even if it can be hard to find at times. I have been able to form a beautiful community that provides safety, support, inclusivity, and warmth on and off campus through the G&WS department. It is so special to be able to continue to learn more about all sorts of beautiful people and their life experiences every day, and I am so excited to see all of my peers and classmates work together to change the world in so many positive ways.
GWS/LGBTQ+ Studies Certificates
Trang Hoang
GWS has taught me...
The ability to think critically about our daily life, relationships, society, existing structures, etc. is the coolest skill to have. GWS has entirely shifted my world view and I am nothing but grateful for the new perspective!
Esmeralda Ramirez Sanchez
GWS has taught me...
about all of the constructs that we live with everyday, and how intersectionality affects how we experience these constructs.
Katrina Schnoor
GWS has taught me...
GWS has completely changed my life (for the better, of course) in the way I interact with others and honestly, my entire outlook on life. These classes have impacted my understanding of the world, myself, and relationships, showing me the importance of being understanding, supportive, and compassionate towards everyone. It has opened my eyes to different perspectives and taught me about intersectionality, which I will never be able to forget or ignore in any situation now. Everything I’ve learned has made me passionate about advocating for the LGBTQ+ community and ensuring that inclusivity and equality are important features of anything I’m involved in. I’m truly grateful for all the experiences I’ve had with GWS and everything it has taught me. I know I will carry these experiences and memories with me throughout the rest of my life.
GWS/LGBTQ+ Studies Certificates
Ben Spielman
GWS has taught me...
It's taught me that there is always more to learn! I thought I knew "enough" when I began taking GWS classes, but I quickly came to understand that there is so much I have yet to fully understand, and there always will be. Further engaging with the GWS curriculum was one of the best decisions I made at UW because the courses continually challenged me to think about my identity and role in our society and its many constructs. Post-graduation, I hope to always carry the knowledge I've gained with me and continue learning how I can best combat the regular instances of gender-based injustice/oppression in our world.
GWS Majors
Leanne Blum
Isabel Garlough-Shah
Morgan Monty
Bethy Olson
Gracen Spritka
Katarina Wickman
Jordan Wied
Ariela Zweiback
GWS Certificates
Claire Allen
Chris Angelopulos
Maddy Barger
Naomi Bergena
Lane Burke
Abigail DeRoche
Audrey Feuerer
Olivia Fregien
Julia del Carmen Gallegos
Alicia Gee
Kristen Halfmann
Maddie Haugen
Trang Hoang
Frankie Kulwin
Meisi Li
Tara O’Martens
Jacqueline Milgram
Leah Morley
Esmee Noel
Rithika Nurani
Tessa Peterka
Esmeralda Ramirez Sanchez
Serenity Robinson
Katrina Schnoor
Ila Schrecker
Lucy Speers
Benjamin Spielman
Mia St. Clair Hughes
Alison Stecker
Rachel Surges
Jnae Thompson
Hannah Traynor
Kabzuag Vaj
Elise Waller
LGBTQ+ Studies Certificates
Lane Burke
Harry Kiffel
Katrina Schnoor
Morgan Stieber
Jordan Wied