Before the Women’s Center: A Sample of Women at Wright State, 1972-1989

Feminist leader Gloria Steinem visited Wright State on January 19, 1972.  She agreed to visit WSU after her appearance on the Phil Donahue Show, which was being taped in Dayton at that time.

Drawing an estimated crowd of 1,000 people, the student paper heralded her talk as the largest crowd to date for a campus lecture.

Gloria Steinem visited the classroom of Gladys Wessels, assistant professor in library sciences and communication, who taught the popular course “Women in the 70’s.”

On July 30, 1974, WSU held a Women Against Rape Rally.  Today, student activism about sexual assault prevention and education continues in the form of the annual student production of The Vagina Monologues, Sexual Assault Awareness Week, and the Take Back the Night March.

Women’s Health Day at the University Center took place on October 22, 1975.  The Women’s Center, with many campus and community partners, continues to do women’s health education through THE HEALTHY WOMAN series.

On June 2, 1984, women gathered for the Women’s Network Conference.  Networking opportunities for women continue to exist through the quarterly Women Faculty Rendezvous.

A proud quilter shows her work at the third annual Women in the Arts Craft Show on November 17, 1989.  Planned by the Wright State Organization for Women (WOW), this art show continues to take place every fall.