Published on March 1, 2023 by Kameron Brown  
three carnations

March is Women’s History Month, commemorating the contributions of women to United States history.

“Women have long been contributing to the colorful history of the United States and of Samford, from legends of our nation’s founding, to the civil rights movement and to celebrated missionaries, women have played a significant, though often-overlooked role in turning the pages of history,” said Denise Gregory, associate provost for student success and diversity and inclusion, and associate professor of biochemistry and chemistry.

Samford University has benefited from impactful women since its founding in 1841. Throughout campus, buildings, artwork, programs and scholarships stand in recognition of the important contributions Samford women have made to the betterment of the university throughout its history.

In celebration of these women and of women everywhere, the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives at Samford plans to celebrate women’s history with several events and involvement opportunities throughout the month.

Events

Flower to Empower
On March 1, Samford’s Office of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives delivered carnations of appreciation to women across campus for their contributions to the Samford community.

ODII + School of the Arts present:
Women Artists and Gallerists Panel Discussion  
Thursday, March 2, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (Lunch included)
Samford Art Gallery
Join local artists and gallerists Sara Garden Armstrong of Ground Floor Contemporary, Melissa Yes of Vinegar, Libby Pantazis of Canary Gallery, and Samford Assistant Professor of Art and Gallery Director Lauren Frances Evans in a discussion reflecting on the sustainability of one’s creative, family, professional and spiritual life. 

This will be a unique opportunity, as this luncheon will be held in the Samford Art Gallery.

Alabama Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster & Friends present:
Trailblazers: Celebrating Women Composers
Tuesday, March 7, 7:30 p.m.
Brock Recital Hall
Join the ASO in commemorating the fantastic female composers that helped shape music history. Daniel Szasz and special guests will perform works by Amy Beach, Lili Boulanger and Florence Price.  Open to all.

ODII + Brock School of Business and F.E.W. (Finance and Economics Women) present:
Finding Your Leadership Voice as a Woman in a Male-Dominated Industry
Tuesday, March 14, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (Lunch included)
Faculty Success Center DBH 410
Join Hoar Program Management Vice President of Marketing and Samford University graduate Andi Sims as she discusses:

Finding Your Leadership Voice as a Woman in a Male-Dominated Industry

ODII + Howard College of Arts and Sciences, Biological and Environmental Sciences present:
State of the State's Water - Why Should Women Care
Wednesday, March 15, 2:30-4  p.m. (Coffee and snacks)
Faculty Success Center DBH 410
Join Eva Dillard (staff attorney) and Katie Fagan (outreach coordinator) of the Black Warrior Riverkeeper as they discuss the state of Alabama's water and related environmental issues. The Black Warrior Riverkeeper's mission is to protect and restore the Black Warrior River and its tributaries. The Riverkeeper's staff identifies and addresses pollution problems while increasing public awareness. 

The Department of World Languages and Cultures presents:
Fatima (2015 France/Canada)
Thursday, March 16, 5:35-7:05 pm
Brooks Auditorium
The film is in French and Arabic with English subtitles. Fatima is a divorced, North African immigrant in her mid-forties who is living in Lyon, France, and is trying to earn a living and support her two daughters. She does not yet speak French and is discriminated against by both the French and the Muslim community. Dr. Heather A. West and Dr. Sara Ortega-Higgs will introduce the film and Dr. Angela Ferguson and Dr. Kelly Jensen will conduct a post viewing discussion.

 ODII presents:
First Lady and Second Fiddle: A Unique Perspective on Leadership
Monday, March 20, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (Lunch included)
Regions Room, Cooney Hall
First Lady Julie Taylor shares her sincere excitement over the leadership opportunities she has found in a very unique role in academia. 

Women’s Month Worship Service
The Center for Women in Ministry
Monday, March 20, 7-8 p.m.
Reid Chapel
Join the Center for Women in Ministry for a special Women’s Month worship service led by female students for the Samford community in which we worship God, giving thanks for how he has gifted women for ministry in his church. 

ODII + School of Public Health
Cooking Class at the Samford Wellness Kitchen
Thursday, March 23, 5:30-8 p.m .
Samford Wellness Kitchen, CHS Building 1 Room 1238  
Enjoy a complimentary Ladies Cooking Class at the Samford Wellness Kitchen! 

Prepare and enjoy an Eastern Mediterranean dinner of Egyptian Falafel Pitas with Muhammara (Lebanese Red Pepper Dip), Persian Love Cake, and Fresh Ginger Tea.  Seating is limited!

Convocation – Jennifer Pharr Davis
Thursday, March 30, 10 a.m.
Reid Chapel
Jennifer Pharr Davis, named an Adventurer of the Year 2012 by National Geographic, is the invited guest and convocation speaker for Samford University’s Title IX Week.  Jennifer is a Samford graduate who majored in classics in the Howard College of Arts and Sciences. Jennifer will inspire our community with her stories of faith and wisdom learned through countless trail adventures.

Self Defense – With Samford University Police Department
Thursday, March 30, 2- 4 p.m.
The Howard Room
Samford University Police Department will lead a self-defense class. The class is free and open to students, faculty and staff.

 

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.