Above: “We Too Speak Out” Event. Pictured left to right: Hannah Mendelson, Jaime Gabrielli (Friendship Center), Jamie Dolan, Patricia Christian, John Ries, Elvira Roncalli, Lily Hoelscher, Abby Robo, Maria Casselli, Emily Funseth, Kelly Parsley, Maggie Pluhar, Beth Demmons, and Erin Welter
In an admirable display of advocacy and awareness, eleven Gender Studies students from Carroll College successfully orchestrated Spring Fever Week in mid-February, a weeklong event dedicated to exploring and addressing gender-related issues. The programming showcased a series of thought-provoking activities aimed at fostering discussions on gender, safety, and inclusivity within the campus community.
Spring Fever Week kicked off with interactive tabling events focused on promoting healthy relationships, providing a platform for student engagement and education. In an evening session, students presented the results of Carroll College's most recent climate survey, which shared perspectives on campus safety and compared Carroll's standing with other colleges and universities across the country.
A cornerstone event of the week was “We Too Speak Out,” an annual gathering where Gender Studies students gave voice to anonymous testimonials from various members of the Carroll community. These powerful narratives shed light on personal experiences of violence. Each event throughout the week saw participation from over 25 students, faculty, and staff members.
The week culminated in a celebration of female athletes during a Carroll College women's basketball game against the University of Providence. Attendees showed their support not only by cheering on the players but also by contributing to a meaningful cause. They were encouraged to donate bathroom products to the local YWCA in exchange for complimentary popcorn and a Vanilla Bean cookie gift card. This initiative highlighted the spirit of community and philanthropy, with the Gender Studies students collecting numerous items and over $200 for the YWCA. Female athletes and young YMCA athletes from Helena received special recognition at half-time, emphasizing the importance of female empowerment and youth engagement in sports.
Dr. Jamie Dolan, Co-Director of Carroll's Gender Studies Program, expressed pride in the students' achievements, sharing, “We are so proud of these students. They have been able to take the issues that we discuss in the classroom and turn them into real, life-changing events."
For those interested in learning more about Spring Fever Week or the Gender Studies Program at Carroll College, please reach out to Dr. Jamie Dolan. Join us in celebrating the dedication and achievements of our Gender Studies students as they continue to educate and lead change within our community.