Women are integral and valued members of the St. Francis College community. They make up the majority of the student body and, since 1986, of our graduates. Women also comprise the plurality of the faculty and staff, and they serve as leaders in the administration and on the board of trustees.

At SFC, we recognize and celebrate — this Women’s History Month and every day — the extraordinary women in our community, their accomplishments and the vital role they play in the life of the College. Throughout the month, please join us at one or more of the following events that the Office of Multicultural Affairs has planned to honor women on our campus and beyond:

• International Women’s Day Celebration – Wednesday, March 8, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (Multipurpose Room)
  Join the Multicultural Ambassadors for fun-filled activities geared toward celebrating influential women. There will be a photo booth, too, and prizes awarded.
• Women of SFC: Who Are We? – Monday, March 20, 12:45 p.m. (Multipurpose Room)
  Join the leaders of the Female-Identifying Club to understand, empower and connect.
• Panel Discussion – Monday, March 27, 12:45 p.m. (Auditorium)
  Four guest speakers will share their experiences and any challenges they may have faced, along with what it means to be a woman.
  

Today, March 8, is International Women’s Day, a longstanding observance that has its origins in our backyard. On this day in 1857, in one of the first organized strikes by working women, female textile workers in New York City marched in protest of unfair labor conditions.

More than 165 years on, women have not relented in making advances in all arenas. In addition to being mothers and primary caregivers, they are leaders of industry and technology, entrepreneurs, artists, teachers, activists and more. Around the world, the number of women holding office at the highest levels of government has increased steadily, giving women a voice in setting policy and shaping the agenda of the future — for the betterment of all.

Yet challenges remain. Discrimination and violence against women persist in our nation and abroad. May we continue to strive against gender bias and violence in our world and build a more perfect and equitable union at home.

As an educational institution, St. Francis College is proud to be able to provide access to education for women, which is central to achieving their economic empowerment. For when women are intellectually and economically empowered, all of humanity benefits as a result.

In community,

Jeanne J. Arnold
Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer and Chief of Staff
St. Francis College