Cleveland, TN–Lee University celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) with a series of events last week. Activities included lectures, chapel services, and a poster competition.
Lee University’s International Women’s Week is founded on Genesis 1:27-28, “God created man and woman in his own image; together both man and woman are blessed.”
On Tuesday, March 3, a special liturgical service took place in the Lee Chapel, led by LuAnn Holden, a former music professor at Lee. Holden’s message focused on “Calling” and how women can cultivate and use individual abilities, skills, and talents for God’s purposes. Ladies of Lee, directed by music professor Dr. Randy Sheeks, provided special music.
The Learn, Engage, and Achieve Program (LEAP) office hosted “Latte in the Library” with Dr. Carolyn Dirksen on March 3 at 7 pm. Dirksen spoke on “Blazing the Trail for Women in Leadership.”
An interdisciplinary poster presentation session took place on Wednesday, March 4. Students from diverse majors including political science, anthropology, humanities, history, and journalism presented on a variety of topics pertaining to women’s issues and equality.
“This session provided students with the opportunity to become an integral part of the week’s discussions,” said Julie Burchfield, assistant professor and librarian for distance learning. “It helped bring awareness to our community while providing students with valuable educational experience garnered from the research and presentation process.”
Patricia Nichols concluded the celebration in a chapel on Thursday, March 5. Nichols currently serves as brigade chaplain for the 75th Field Artillery Brigade at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Nichols shared her personal testimony of her journey of becoming an active duty chaplain as a woman.
The 13th Annual International Women’s Week started as a one-day event and has now grown into a week of honoring what God says about women and inspiring the Lee and Cleveland community.
All events were free, non-ticketed, and open to the public.