25th Anniversary Celebration
Virginia Tech Women's Center 25th Anniversary logo
Supporting you for 25 years!
In the Spring of 2019, we celebrated this significant milestone with
an exciting semester of programs and events!
25th Anniversary Events
Zadie Smith
In March, we partnered with the Department of English Visiting Writers Series and the Moss Arts Center for An Onstage Conversation with Zadie Smith, New York Times best-selling novelist
Mae Jemison
In April, the Division of Student Affairs at Virginia Tech honored the center's 25th with Pursuing the Extraordinary: An Evening with Mae Jemison
Jodi Kantor
Also in April, the Women's Center hosted An Evening with Jodi Kantor in partnership with offices, organizations, and programs across the university and in the community
25th anniversary logo
In May, our 25th anniversary celebration culminated in an unforgettable reception on the main stage at Moss Arts Center. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of our campus and community partners! Here's to the next 25 years!
Thank you for a wonderful semester of celebration!
March 2019
HEDY! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr
in partnership with the VT Science Festival, Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering, Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Moss Arts Center and ICAT
March 2019
A Black Love Conversation: Being B.A.D. Embodying redemption through theatre
in partnership with Perspective Gallery, Virginia Tech Women’s Center, School of Performing Arts, Virginia Tech Cultural and Community Centers, Sociology Department, Women’s & Gender Studies, Africana Studies
March 2019
Breaking the Glass Slipper: Deconstructing Disney Film Discussion series
in partnership with Student Engagement and Campus Life
February 2019
Nathalie Etoke: The Other Negre: The Treatment of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People in Uganda and South Africa
in collaboration with Department of Sociology, Africana Studies, and Women's and Gender Studies
February 2019
Tonya Haynes: Caribbean Feminisms and the Politics of Knowledge
in collaboration with Department of Sociology, Africana Studies, and Women's and Gender Studies
February 2019
Nana Brantuo: You Strike and Woman, You Strike a Rock!: African and African Diaspora Feminisms/Feminists
in collaboration with Department of Sociology, Africana Studies, and Women's and Gender Studies
25 Years of History
In 1992-93, the Coordinating Council on Women's Concerns proposed the establishment of a Women's Center at Virginia Tech. In the spring of 1994, the Women's Center opened our doors in Lane Hall, with the mission to promote a campus community that is safe, equitable and supportive for women and that celebrates their experiences, achievements and diversity. The Center's first director was Penny Burge, one of three professional staff members and seven volunteers who carried out our daily functions. In 1995-96, the Center moved to Price House, which we called home for the next eight years. In 2000, Ellen Plummer was appointed director. In 2004 the Center relocated to 206 Washington Street and grew to seven professional staff and 90+ volunteers. In 2008, Christine Dennis Smith and Anna LoMascolo were appointed co-directors. Today we are proud to call the Center home to 9 professional staff and scores of student workers, volunteers, and interns, as well as award-winning programs and compassionate counseling and advocacy services. We are so excited to celebrate this 25th anniversary with our campus and community partners, stakeholders, colleagues and students.