Summer 2021 Newsletter
Dear GWS and LGBTQ+ Studies Alumni,
The end of the second semester always brings a heady mix of last-minute deadlines interspersed with quiet periods of contemplation. This mix is especially intense this year because of COVID-19 and all of its physical, psychological, and financial effects. While GWS students scrambled to complete final essays and faculty raced to finish their grading, they also reflected on the new possibilities and foreclosed opportunities of an academic year spent teaching and learning online.
In the midst of this reflection and activity, it is important to pause and celebrate what the GWS community has achieved during the 2020-2021 academic year. Keisha Lindsay received a UW Exceptional Service Award, Kelly Marie Ward was selected for an Early Achievement Award, Annie Menzel received a Research Service Grant Award, and Anna Campbell was selected as a Vilas Associate. We are equally proud of our recent graduates including our 30 GWS undergraduate majors, 129 GWS undergraduate certificate students, 16 undergraduate LGBTQ+ certificate students, 2 MA students, 4 PhD minors, and 1 MA certificate student. Congratulations, graduates!
Last but not least, thank you to the entire GWS community for all of your hard work and dedication during what has been and remains a challenging time. Enjoy the summer!
In solidarity,
GWS Alumni Committee
Message from the Chair
This semester the faculty voted to add the word “Sexuality” to the Department’s name, so we will become the Department of Gender, Women’s and Sexuality Studies. This change recognizes and honors the role that LGBTQ+ Studies plays in the Department. Read the full message from GWS Chair, Professor Janet S. Hyde, here.
GWS and LGBTQ+ Studies Graduation
Check out our virtual graduation page with messages from faculty and staff as well as photos and quotes from graduates. Photos and captions are also shared on the GWS Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.
Whitney Anderson Awarded Honorary Rainbow Degree
Congratulations to Whitney Anderson, Program Coordinator for Open House Learning Community and GWS Administrative Assistant. Whitney received an Honorary Rainbow Degree from the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center! Read more about Whitney’s work here.
LGBTQ+ Studies Scholarship
In Spring 2021, the Center for Research on Gender and Women launched a new scholarship in LGBTQ+ Studies. Congratulations to the first cohort: Anthony Cattani, Alanna Goldstein, Adrian Lampron, Justin Myrah, and M.Rose Sweetnam.
GWS Spring Internship Projects
The GWS Internship course has been running continuously for 20+ years. This spring, a small cohort of GWS 660 students worked with local organizations remotely. The students did fantastic work. Learn about the 660 projects here.
Sami Schalk in”Faces of Pride”
Professor Sami Schalk was featured in Madison Magazine’s “Faces of Pride” piece as part of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Professor Schalk shares ways in which her local queer community showed up for her this past year, particularly during #BlackLivesMatter activism and the isolation of the pandemic.
Rodlyn-mae Banting’s Article
Second-year MA student Rodlyn-mae Banting published an article in Bitch Media, “License to Feel: ‘SOUR’ Highlights the Unique Wisdom of Teen Girls.” Banting explores Olivia Rodrigo’s album to illustrate how girlhood, often viewed as “silly,” provides opportunities for “emotional wealth and unique wisdom.”
Stay Connected
LGBTQ+ Alumni Affinity Group
Happy Pride Month. When you update your information with the Wisconsin Alumni Association, you can opt into the new LGBTQ+ alumni affinity group, a partnership between the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center and WAA. You will receive regular information about events and opportunities from the GSCC.
Reflections on Day of the Badger
Thank you to all who contributed to the Day of the Badger! We are humbled and honored that so many of you chose to support GWS this year. We met our matching grant of $2500 and raised a combined $6055. These funds will support our students as we return to campus this fall.