The event featured live readings from students, faculty and staff, the announcement of the winners of the President’s Award for Distinguished Work in the Advancement of Women’s Issues and the winners of the Virginia Martin Gender Issues Essay Contest.

The event was sponsored by the English Club, the President’s Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW) and the Women and Gender Studies program on campus.

Dr. Tracey Cummings, professor of English, welcomed students and faculty alike to the event, with the majority of seats in Greenberg Auditorium full; with additional students and faculty attending via Zoom.

Attending via Zoom were: Professor Marjorie Maddox-Hafer, Professor Dana Washington, alum Morgan White and the family of one of the students who was reading her own work at the event — Darah Caldwell.

PHOTO PROVIDED One of three students to win the Virginia Martin Prize in Gender Issues Essay Contest is congratulated by Dr. Lisette Schillig.

Cleia Stern, Frankie Zannino, Ashley Beach, Darah Caldwell and Rachel Palmer all read their own works at the event, sharing with the group their own creativity and voices.

Washington and Maddox-Hafer also read their own works via Zoom.

“It is wonderful to see students and colleagues expressing themselves during the event,” said Cummings. “I always love hearing Professor Maddox-Hafer and Professor Washington sharing their own work. It is so inspiring to hear students read their own work.”

Dr. Lisette Schillig, professor of English, said, “This event is always one to look forward to during Women’s History Month because it showcases the power and passion of women’s words, women’s voices. I always leave feeling inspired and emotionally moved by what the speakers share.”

Not everyone read something they themselves wrote. Some students and faculty members read from favorite female authors.

PHOTO PROVIDED Dr. Erin Kennedy reads an excerpt from Jenny Lawson’s “Broken.”

Morgan White read “I Hope Someday” by Morgan Harper Nichols, and Dr. Erin Kennedy read an excerpt from Jenny Lawson’s “Broken.”

Cummings herself read most of Audre Lorde’s “The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action.”

“I chose it (for this event) because it was one of the first pieces I ever read at a ‘Let Her Voice Be Heard,’ and it seemed right to revisit it at my last one. I chose it then because I was trying to learn that I needed to speak when speaking up mattered — and it often matters,” Cummings said. “I read it then to inspire me as a young professor in a new job. Lorde makes it clear that we are usually silent because we think our silences protect us, and she makes it clear that our silences will not protect us. I read it this time because I am still working on that lesson, and I need inspiration. I think now more than then we need to speak. I think now more than ever I need to speak.”

She was amazed, she said, by the variety of works being read by the students.

“I am always amazed that I always hear a piece that I come to love that I never knew existed, and I am always happily surprised how well so many of the works and readers spontaneously mesh together into a program that is so coherent and moving,” said Cummings.

Dr. Nicole Burkholder-Mosco, chair of PCSW and co-director of the Women and Gender Studies minor, introduced the awards.

“‘Let Her Voice Be Heard’ is one of the highlights of the academic year for me. Not only is it a fitting end to Women’s History month, but we get to celebrate the outstanding work that’s happening right here at Lock Haven University,” said Burkholder-Mosco.

“I always look forward to the presentation of the President’s Awards for Distinguished Work in the Advancement of Women’s Issues and the awards for the Virginia Martin Gender Issues Contest,” said Burkholder-Mosco, “Both represent the very best of Lock Haven University. The President’s Award shows the service our community members undertake in the name of women’s advocacy and the essay contest shows the impressive scholarly engagement of our students on this campus.”

Rebecca Baker, staff recipient of the President’s Award for Distinguished Service in the Furtherance of Women’s Issues, said, “It was a complete surprise. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be recognized for everything I try to do.” The award now proudly hangs in her office at the Student Success Center on campus.

Schillig was the faculty recipient of the President’s Award in the Advancement of Women’s Issues — a long time advocate for women’s rights on campus and beyond, Schillig continues to inspire and empower women.

“It’s an honor, receiving this award. It will always remind me of the wonderful women I’ve had the privilege to work with and learn from through the years — students, faculty, staff and community members who work every day to make the campus and community a place where women are safe, welcomed and truly respected,” said Schillig.

The final recipient for the President’s Award was the Lock Haven Council for Social Studies Club (LHUPCSS).

The winners of the Virginia Martin Prize in Gender Issues Essay Contest were

— Ryan Probst

— Clayton Ro

— Nicholas P. Garlick

After all of those who wished to participate read their works, personal or otherwise, Cummings closed the event with a brief thank you to those in attendance.

“I value this event so much,” said Cummings. “It’s important to make space and hear women’s voices. I always think each event is the best so far, and that holds true for this year’s event.”