As students go to their classes this month many are noticing a creative shift across the campus.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, professors have transformed their office doors and even classrooms into creative displays honoring women and their impact. Each door would be telling a different story. One door would feature colleges of women that teach at the campus. While others would have bookmarks for books that showed powerful women in this lifetime that changed history forever. The displays catches attention through bold colors, meaningful images, and thoughtful designs.
For many faculty members the decorations go beyond creativity they reflect a deeper message about recognition and appreciation. Administrative Assistant for the English Department Diana Rivera emphasized that while women deserve a recognition year round dedication celebration still matters. “Women for a long time have not been recognized for their accomplishments in all areas of society,” English professor Francien Rohrbacher said. “Often men take the credit for what women do. An event like Women’s History Month allows women to celebrate accomplishments, amplify women’s achievement and help women be heard.”
That message extends beyond the classroom to share an empowerment. Rohrbacher also shared a powerful reminder “Women are powerful,” she said. “We hold society together and out value is often underrated and under appreciated. Don’t underestimate us and don’t allow your value to be disregarded trust that you can do anything.”
Students also shared their own perspectives on why celebrating women matters, particularly on campus. Midsell a student on campus explained that Women’s History Month is especially meaningful because of the impact women have on campus. “Women do so much here, counselors, students, were creating possibilities for diversity and inclusion,” she said. “They’re kind of the heroes behind everything , especially those working in student support programs. They do so much.”
As well as having a strong message to everywhere focused on perseverance and representation. “Never stop,” she said. “There are so many different communities and especially for women of color it can be hard. But keep going even through struggles. You never know where you’ll end up or who you’ll meet, and it shows younger women that its possible.”
For her, inspiration starts at home. “My mom inspires me she immigrated here and made a life for our family” she said. At the same time she also appreciates mentors and coworkers on campus.
Appreciating those who balance school, work, and family it shows us the resilience in real time. “They go through so much but they still show us and support others. That motivates me,” she said.
Zelma Jacob emphasized the importance of making everything visible. “Women’s History Month is about recognizing the work that often goes unseen,” she said. “It’s about making people aware of just how much women contribute. It’s about making people aware of just how much women contribute.”
Like many others Jacob draws inspiration from her mother. “She overcame so many obstacles to give me opportunities, to go to college, to build a life,” she said.
By sharing these personal stories the month not only honors past generations but also validates the experience of women today.