DECATUR, Ill – will celebrate Women's History Month throughout March with a variety of events and speakers. It is a time to recognize and honor the contributions, achievements, and leadership of women throughout history and in our communities today.
It offers a chance to consider the powerful impact women have had on education, innovation, equity, and progress and inspires us to continue the ongoing work toward equality and inclusion.
In 1911, International Women’s Day was first observed to acknowledge women’s labor movements and the fight for equality. Today, it is marked every year on March 8 as a reminder of the progress women have made and the work that still remains. Women’s History Month later became a monthlong observance in the U.S. in 1987 following advocacy from educators and historians across the country. Since then, it has provided an opportunity to highlight women’s social, cultural, political and economic achievements.
We invite all members of our campus to take part in this year’s Women’s History Month programming and join in meaningful conversations that highlight the achievements and contributions of women. We look forward to coming together as a community to recognize and celebrate the impact of women both on and off our campus.
Women's History Month Events
Making HERstory: Women in Millikin Poster Display - Monday, March 2 | 5 p.m.
Spend an evening with fellow members of the Millikin community as we celebrate the achievements of women on our campus. Enjoy a special Women’s History Month gallery opening and mimosa toast honoring the historical accomplishments of Millikin women who have made a lasting impact on our University. President Dean Pribbenow will deliver a warm welcome and his wife, Dr. Kris Mickelson, will lead a celebratory toast. The gallery will remain open throughout March, located on the 1st floor of Staley Library across from the Center for International Education.
Millikin Symphonic Wind Ensemble (MSWE) III: She Speaks - Saturday, March 7 | 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Featuring: Williamsville High School Band
Aaron Gosnell, Director
In honor of Women’s History Month, we focus on works by women composers, including compelling compositions by Julie Giroux, Jennifer Jolley and Jodie Blackshaw.
International Women's Day Table - Monday, March 9 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Panel: Celebrating Women in Leadership - Tuesday, March 10 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Join us for an evening of thoughtful conversation and celebration as we highlight the voices and experiences of women in our community at our Women’s History Month Panel: Celebrating Women in Leadership.
This discussion will explore the question, “What does it mean to you to be a woman?” as panelists reflect on how their experiences have shaped their leadership journeys, how identity intersects with their personal and professional lives, and take time to give their flowers to the women who have influenced and inspired them along the way.
"Matilda the Musical Jr." - Friday, March 20 through Sunday, March 22 | Fri./Sat. at 7:30 p.m., Sat./Sun. at 2 p.m. at Kirkland Fine Arts Center
Matilda is a little girl whose wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers get the attention of her schoolteacher, Miss Honey. However, the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and loves to punish them every chance she gets. Matilda’s cleverness may just be the key to ending Miss Trunchbull’s reign. Co-produced by the Decatur Park District, the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination will delight the whole family.
Cake & Current Events - Monday, March 23 | 2-3 p.m.
Celebration of Storytelling Conference - Thursday, March 26 | 8:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Writers and storytellers of all kinds are invited to Millikin's campus for a celebration of writing, publishing and literature. Attendees will work with Millikin's faculty and an array of published authors in hands-on craft workshops designed to help them tell — and publish — the stories that live within them.
