Campus women's center hosts Legend and Merit Awards, variety of programs
Cara Anthony
Editor in chief
Issue date: 3/24/08 Section: Campus News
An oasis for women is exactly the way TSU President Melvin N. Johnson described the new TSU Women's Center that is expected to be completed in 2009.
With an estimated cost of $6 million, the center is to consist of 30,000 square feet and will occupy the north side of campus near the Gentry Center.
"I think it is extremely important for the university to have a women's center," Melvin Johnson said noting that Spelman College is the only other historically black college with a women's center.
On March 20, more than 200 people attended the Women of Legend and Merit Awards ceremony. The proceeds raised from the ceremony and dinner are to benefit the Women's Center.
Aundraya Wynne, representing the women of the University Honors Program--one of the student organizations present--was extremely happy to support the center.
"I feel the Women's Center is a wonderful idea and think every organization on campus should support it," said Wynne, a freshman accounting major from Pine Bluff, Ark.
According to its information brochure, the Women's Center's mission is to enhance the academic experience and personal development of all women by providing an inclusive and supportive environment as well as promoting gender and women issues.
TSU first lady Marcelite D. Johnson, the visionary for the facility, said that along with specialized programs, the center is to also offer scholarships to women.
"The time is so right for a women's center," Marcelite D. Johnson said, in reference to the number of women in leadership positions on campus. "We need to be there for our sisters."
Programs for the Women's Center are to include: Health and Nutrition; Preventing Violence Against Women; and Career/Professional Development.
Proposed events include "Take Back the Night" (healing for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence) and Pay Equity Day.
"The wellness model we are using, talks about the total being," Marclite Johnson said. •
With an estimated cost of $6 million, the center is to consist of 30,000 square feet and will occupy the north side of campus near the Gentry Center.
"I think it is extremely important for the university to have a women's center," Melvin Johnson said noting that Spelman College is the only other historically black college with a women's center.
On March 20, more than 200 people attended the Women of Legend and Merit Awards ceremony. The proceeds raised from the ceremony and dinner are to benefit the Women's Center.
Aundraya Wynne, representing the women of the University Honors Program--one of the student organizations present--was extremely happy to support the center.
"I feel the Women's Center is a wonderful idea and think every organization on campus should support it," said Wynne, a freshman accounting major from Pine Bluff, Ark.
According to its information brochure, the Women's Center's mission is to enhance the academic experience and personal development of all women by providing an inclusive and supportive environment as well as promoting gender and women issues.
TSU first lady Marcelite D. Johnson, the visionary for the facility, said that along with specialized programs, the center is to also offer scholarships to women.
"The time is so right for a women's center," Marcelite D. Johnson said, in reference to the number of women in leadership positions on campus. "We need to be there for our sisters."
Programs for the Women's Center are to include: Health and Nutrition; Preventing Violence Against Women; and Career/Professional Development.
Proposed events include "Take Back the Night" (healing for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence) and Pay Equity Day.
"The wellness model we are using, talks about the total being," Marclite Johnson said. •
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