The excitement at the women's studies program faculty open house was palpable, but had nothing to do with the lunchtime refreshments served at the event.
The crowd packed into Haley Center room 3227 was excited by the full department event calendar and for a chance for the women's studies program affiliates to get to know each other.
The event began with announcements regarding the women's studies program's event schedule for the semester.
"We have a lot of great things scheduled," said Joyce de Vries, director of the University's women's studies program.
The women's studies program's fall semester schedule includes an arts and humanities month barbecue with Elvis Oct. 16, a tribute to A.R. Siddons Oct. 18, a foreign languages panel Nov. 6, as well as many other events.
However, it was the Extraordinary Women Lecture featuring Gloria Steinem scheduled for Feb. 18 captured the most attention.
"We have a lot of things going," de Vries said. "But of course, we're all very excited for Steinem in February."
Barbara Baker, executive director of the Women's Leadership Institute, said she has high hopes for the event.
"We're really trying to tie women together around this event," Baker said.
The open house served as more than a chance to announce discussion panels and guest speakers.
"The focal point of the event was to greet new faculty," de Vries said. "We have more than 90 affiliates that now have the opportunity to meet and greet."
She also said the interdisciplinary nature can make it difficult for all of the affiliates to be familiar with one another.
"We have faculty all over campus," de Vries said.
One new face was Kelly Krawczyk, assistant professor of political science.
This semester will be Krawczyk's first at Auburn.
"I came from Wayne State University in Detroit," Krawczyk said. "The South is still new to me."
Krawczyk said the open house was an excellent opportunity to get to know other members of the women's studies program.
"It seemed to me to be a great way to learn about Auburn, new programs and initiatives and to meet new people," Krawczyk said.
One of the recent programs highlighted at the event was the women's studies minor the College of Liberal Arts has started offering for students this semester.
"We want the word out that there is a women's studies minor," de Vries said.
Information and schedules were given to everyone who attended the event.
People can learn about the program, including the minor and scheduled events, by visiting CLA.Auburn.edu/WomensStudies/.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
