Recognition and appreciation for women begins right here at NIU.

The theme for this year’s Women’s History Month is “20 Years of Warming the Climate for Women at NIU.” The observance has come a long way over the years, starting off as just a day and over time developing into a whole month, said Amy Levin, director of women’s studies.

“Everyone can benefit from this month,” Levin said.”Whether you’re a woman or not, everyone works with and knows women, so this can be helpful to everyone.”

Many activities have been planned throughout March and into April, ranging from panel discussions to guest speakers to films. The first main speaker of the month will be Caryn McTighe Musil, director of the Program on the Status and Education of Women and vice president of diversity, equity and global initiatives at the Association of American Colleges and Universities. AAC&U assists colleges and universities in establishing diversity.

“Musil organizes conferences that people from different colleges and universities attend,” Levin said. “I went to a conference about scientific literacy and I met her. We asked her to talk about what she sees as important continuing issues for women in higher education.”

The lecture she’s giving tonight, “Unfinished Business? Gender Equity in Higher Education and Beyond,” will look at women in higher education.

“This lecture will benefit anyone involved in higher education,” Levin said. “She will be talking about diversity in general, not just in women.”

Musil’s seminar Friday, “Women’s Studies Globally: The Emerging Map,” will discuss more about women’s education and studies internationally. It will be less formal and will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

“She is one of the most distinguished people in higher education,” Levin said of Musil. “She is a very dynamic speaker and everyone is encouraged to attend the lecture. Turnouts have been very well in the past for events that we have done.”

Co-sponsors for Musil’s visit are the Unity in Diversity committee, the Division of International Programs, the Social Sciences Research Institute and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Musil’s lecture begins at 7:30 tonight at the Holmes Student Center’s Illinois Room. For more information on any of the month’s events, call

Levin or Brenda Hodges at 753-1038.

Schedule

Today

Art show opening reception, 4:30 to 6:30

p.m., DeKalb Area Women’s Center, 1021

State St.

“Unfinished Business? Gender Equity in

Higher Education and Beyond,” 7:30 p.m.,

Holmes Student Center, Illinois Room

Friday

“Women’s Studies Globally: The Emerging

Map,” 10 a.m., Reavis Hall, Room 211

Monday

“Readings by Julia Penelope,” 4 p.m.,

Reavis Hall, Room 103

Wednesday

International Women’s Day luncheon,

11:30 a.m., Adams Hall, Chandelier Room

March 8

Intergenerational Oral History Exchange,

12:30 to 2 p.m., Ellwood House Museum,

Carriage House Conference Room, 509 N.

1st. St.