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March marks Women’s History Month, a time when the U.S. honors the groundbreaking contributions and sacrifices of women who have shaped our nation’s history, culture, and society.

The movement gained national recognition in 1980 when President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation, declaring the week of March 8—coinciding with International Women’s Day—as Women’s History Week. In his message, Carter acknowledged, “Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America [were] as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.” It wasn’t until several years later that Congress extended the celebration to the entire month of March.

Since its founding in 1885, Rollins has championed generations of women who have studied, taught, and led on campus. This year, we’re celebrating Women’s History Month and its theme—“Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations”—with a dynamic lineup of campus events.

From thought-provoking discussions to academic reflections, explore how the Rollins community is honoring trailblazing women and inspiring future generations of changemakers.

Critical Coursework

Women’s contributions touch every field of study, which is recognized at Rollins in everything from our interdisciplinary minor in sexuality, women’s, and gender studies (SWAG) to the influence of women trailblazers in every field and discipline.

In Sociological Theory, sociology professor Joanna Eisele familiarizes students with social theory from the early 19th century to the present, but during Women’s History Month students learn about critical feminist theory and read Harriet Martineau’s work on social stratification.

In addition, Eisele teaches Social Problems, in which students learn the history of Roe v. Wade and the fight to secure reproductive rights in the U.S., as well as Introduction to Sex, Women, and Gender Studies, which examines multiple waves of feminism and their historical implications for women’s lives and key issues and debates around the topics like gender and sexuality in society.

Women at Rollins: A History

• When: February 24 to March 31
• Where: Olin Library, first floor

To kick off Women’s History Month, the Olin Library is proud to showcase the exhibition Women at Rollins: A History. Created in 2024 by history professor Claire Strom, digital archivist Rachel Walton, and students in their Public History class, the exhibit highlights accomplishments of women at the College from its inception to today. The exhibit enhances the story of our institution by recognizing the contributions of these female faculty, students, staff, and community members.

The items on display are part of the Rollins College Archives located on the first floor of the library. For those unable to visit the exhibit while on view, it is available digitally here.

Consent Fries

• When: March 6 | 12:30-2 p.m.
• Where: The Marketplace

Join us in the dining hall for Consent FRIES, where we’re serving up a special French fry dish known as salchipapas brought to you by THRIVE peer educators and Dining Services. Grab a plate inside, then stop by our table to learn about F.R.I.E.S.—Freely Given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, and Specific. Just like fries, consent should always be clear, wanted, and never taken without asking.

International Women’s Day

• When: March 7 | 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Where: Cornell Campus Center

Join us in honoring our mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends as we celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. All 13 screens in the Campus Center will feature vibrant graphics highlighting significant accomplishments by women throughout history. To honor the female students on campus, we will hand out flowers as a small token of our heartfelt appreciation.

Trivia Night

• When: March 18 | 8-9 p.m.
• Where: Dave’s Boathouse

Brought to you by the Center for Campus Involvement, Curtis Earth will be hosting trivia night in Dave’s Boathouse: Women’s History Month edition! Grab a friend and test your knowledge to win a prize.

Enough Dance Concert

• When: March 21, 7 p.m. | March 22, 4 p.m.
• Where: Tiedtke Theatre & Dance Centre, Sally K. Albrecht Studio Theatre

Enough is a concert-length dance piece that asks, “When is enough enough?” Choreographed by theatre professors Robin Gerchman and CoCo Loupe, the performance features an ensemble of women dancers. While Enough explores satiation from many angles and will resonate with audiences of all genders, Gerchman shares, “The theme of having had enough is certainly poignant during this Women’s History Month, as our lives and bodies have become a site of political debate. Additionally, research demonstrates that even as women make up 47 percent of the workforce, they continue to bear the brunt of the cognitive load for household and family management. The weight of doing it all is heavy.”

The program is open to the public. Admission is free of charge, and seating is first-come, first-serve.

History of Winter Park’s Women’s Clubs

• When: March 26 | 4-5 p.m.
• Where: Olin Library, Room 230

Dive into the history of Winter Park and how two women, Mary Lee DePugh and Maud Kraft, founded the Ideal Woman’s Club and Woman’s Club of Winter Park, respectively. Presenters include Kim Mould, historian for The Woman's Club of Winter Park, Inc., and Fairolyn Livingston ’83, chief historian of the Hannibal Square Heritage Center located here in Winter Park.

All are welcome to attend, with a small reception to follow.

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