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From the Director: Dr. Ann Oberhauser
 Welcome back to the new school year at Iowa State! By now, you have settled into a routine with classes, campus activities, and catching up with friends. There is a buzz in the air that makes this a special place during the fall semester.
You may have noticed some of the changes on campus with record enrollment, new diversity and inclusion initiatives, and, of course, the political elections in November. I enjoy going door-to-door during campaign season and encouraging people to vote. It’s always interesting to talk to folks in the community about candidates, political issues, and the importance of participating in the democratic process. I encourage you to get involved in related activities on campus and meet some of the national and state candidates who are likely to visit Ames since Iowa is a “swing state” this election. The chance of making history is high given the many qualified women on the ballot in local, state, and national elections! Check out Emily's List for more information about these elections http://www.emilyslist.org/ .
Women’s and Gender Studies also has some exciting activities this semester with a Fall picnic, lectures, courses, and great faculty and students who contribute so much to our program. Look for our new courses when you register for Spring semester. There are also several study abroad courses in Women’s and Gender Studies next summer in Thailand, Tanzania, and Sweden!
You can read more about these and other activities on our Facebook, Twitter and website at https://womensstudies.las.iastate.edu .
Thanks for all of your support for Women’s and Gender Studies. I look forward to seeing you on campus!
Dr. Ann Oberhauser
Director, Women’s and Gender Studies
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Faculty Highlight: Dr. Abby Dubisar
 Dr. Abby Dubisar, Women's and Gender Studies faculty affiliate, is an Assistant Professor in the English Department whose research focuses on citizen usage of rhetorical practices, including writing, speaking, and multimodal communication, to advocate change. Her work analyzes texts such as feminists cookbooks, YouTube videos, and historical archives to study advocacy change practices. Her future publications include topics in masculinity in food discourses, food waste, and its environmental and justice consequences, and lessons learned for feminist rhetoric scholars from GMO banana controversies. Dubisar will be presenting her work in the November NWSA conference, titled "Codepink's Cookbook and Intersections of Feminism, Peace, and Pie." Her courses include Gender and Communication, Analysis of Popular Culture Texts, and Social Justice Rhetorics. She also serves as a committee member in the Carrie Chapman Catt Center.
The Women's and Gender Studies Program funded Dr. Dubisar for a trip to London this past summer. While in London, she "studied an Iowa resident, Ruth Buxton Sayre, who lived from 1896 to 1980, and advocated for farm women. She [Sayre]] believed that farm women should see themselves as global citizens." Sayre was president from 1947-1953 of an international non-profit organization called the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW), which is still active and whose main office is located in London. This research will be published soon as “Linking Rural Women Transnationally: Iowa’s ‘First Lady of the Farm’ and Post WWII Ethos.” The article focuses on understanding how Sayre's leadership has shaped women as agricultural leaders today. Dr. Dubisar will share this work during the WGS Lunchtime Talks on November 17th.
One of Dr. Dubisar's best memories of the trip was learning about ACWW's support for women in the Global South, especially its donation to assist nine million women farmers. Dubisar wants to spread the word about ACWW since not many people know about them and the phenomenal work they are doing to advance women farmers.
Congratulations Dr. Abby Dubisar for your great work and enthusiasm. We look forward hearing more your project in November.
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Student Highlight: Cheyanne Sorenson
 Cheyanne Sorenson is a Women's and Gender Studies major who focuses on gender and sexuality and will graduate in Spring 2017. Her passion for WGS arises from her experiences growing up and her identity in the LGBT+ community. Cheyanne also talks about her study abroad trip to Sweden as amazing, especially since it was her first time traveling outside the United States. The inspiration of her trip started with one of Dr. Amber Manning-Ouellette's leadership studies class. Her experience in Sweden included working with political organizations and learning about gender equality and political structures in Sweden.
Her recommendations to other students include talking to advisors to learn about resources on campus and in the community. Also, take a Women's and Gender Studies class as a introduction to information about and other opportunities in this major. She states that "coming to ISU and being a part of the WGS program has been one of the best decisions of my life. I don't regret it and you won't either."
Good luck with your last year at ISU and in the WGS program. We look forward to following your adventures in the future!
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Featured Alumni: James Heckathorn
 James Heckathorn is our selected alumni this month. He majored in Linguistics with a minor in Women's and Gender Studies at Iowa State University. His introduction to Women's and Gender Studies was through the course Women, Men, and the English Language. The intersection of language and gender, men and women's language usage, and ways the English language creates and reflects gender were interesting topics that inspire him to take courses in WGS.
One of his most memorable moments while taking courses in WGS were his Gender and Consumer Culture class with Dr. Mike Goebel and his independent study with Dr. Michele Schaal. The independent study focused on the intersection of gender identity and sexual orientation in the comic series Batwoman. James' general interests include gender and culture intersections and the way people's identity is expressed and shaped through the interaction of cultural objects.
The next step after his graduation is to pursue a graduate program in English Linguistics in Germany at the University of Tübingen in October 2017. James decided to continue his education in Germany after doing a study abroad and given his family ties and background in this country. His recommendation to other students is to pursue an independent study in WGS. He stated, "I learned an incredible amount from my instructors in the classes I took and having the opportunity to apply that knowledge in a personal project made me appreciate even more the quality of education available to WGS students."
Good luck with your new adventure in Germany and enjoy your graduate studies!
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Campus Partners
Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE)
WiSE is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. WiSE was established in 1986 by ISU faculty and staff concerned about the underrepresentation of women in science and engineering. Their office focuses on outreach to K-12 students who want to major in STEM professions (science, technology, engineering, and math), assisting undergraduate women enrolled in STEM degrees, supporting faculty and staff to succeed in their colleges and departments, and encouraging alumni and professionals in their talents and resource acquisition. Resources and general information can be found at http://www.wise.iastate.edu/ .
WiSE celebration of its 30 year anniversary will host:
30th Anniversary Tailgate - Saturday, October 1, 2016, ISU vs. Baylor-Jack Trice Stadium
Food, prizes, face painting, games and Cyclone spirit! Event is free of charge and open to students, corporate partners, alumnae, faculty and staff, RSVP required.
30th Anniversary Celebration Dinner - Saturday, December 3, 2016 - Reiman Ballroom, Alumni Center
A celebration dinner and awards ceremony will be held to celebrate individuals and corporations for their significant contributions to the success of the program over the past thirty years. Fee to participate, registration required.
For questions about the 30th Anniversary or how to get involved contact Lora Leigh Chrystal, Director at (515) 294-4317 or lchrysta@iastate.edu.
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Campus Activities
Welcome Back Fall Picnic - Women's and Gender Studies
Join us on Friday, September 30th from 5-8 pm @ Maple Shelter, Brookside Park on 6th Ave. in Ames
Please bring a dish or a drink to share.
WGS Lunchtime Talks
Tuesday,October 11th at 1011 Coover Hall- WGS Roundtable "Confronting Privilege in the Classroom"
When confronted with ideas of privilege, people can become agitated, angry, or disconnected. Unfortunately, instead of seeing this type of discussion as a way to understand systemic privilege and how it functions, people too often think they are being attacked or told they did not earn their accomplishments. Having the right tools to turn contentious moments into teachable opportunities empowers educators to foster growth and create change. This roundtable discussion will engage students and lecturers to discuss approaches and best practices when issues of privilege arise in the classroom. This discussion will give participants the tools and strategies to confront privilege in many different contexts.
October is Latino Heritage Month
Black & Brown Male Empowerment Symposium - Oct. 8th from 8 am to 3 pm - Memorial Union
The Black and Brown Male Empowerment Symposium is designed to demonstrate the importance of black and brown male success in the classroom, community, and world.
Inspiration and Intersection: Ceramics and Social Commentary - Oct. 9th from 2 pm to 3 pm - Brunnier Art Museum, 295 Scheman Bldg.
Join Art and Visual Culture Professor Ingrid Lilligren, Dr. Emily Morgan, Assistant Professor of Art History, and Jen Coppoc, Lecturer in English and American Indian Studies for a conversation on race, gender, and the multi-layered meanings in the art of Josiah Wedgewood, J.J. Kandler's Meissen porcelain, and Lilligren's response, which are all included in the Inspired By... exhibition currently on view in the Brunnier Art Museum.
More Info: www.museums.iastate.edu
Documentary & Discussion: Project Enye (ñ) - A Voice for First-Generation Latinos between Two Worlds - Oct. 13th at 7 pm – Great Hall, Memorial Union.First-time Latina filmmaker Denise Soler Cox draws on her personal struggles growing up between two cultures to chronicle the shared experiences of 16 million first-generation American-born Latinos, or Enyes.
Award-Winning Faculty Series: How to Foster Safe Spaces for Diversity and Inclusion - Oct. 20th from 12:10 to 1 pm
What do we mean by inclusion? What do we mean by diversity? As teachers, our answers to these questions are vital not only for our own teaching philosophy but also for the culture we are creating in our classrooms, which can perpetuate into workplaces after graduation.
More Info: http://www.celt.iastate.edu/events-registration
October is Domestic Violence Month
My Life on the Road - Gloria Steinem – Tues., Oct. 11th at 7 pm - Stephens Auditorium
Steinem co-founded Ms. magazine, serving as an editor for 15 years, and helped co-found New Yorkmagazine. The National Women's Political Caucus is among the many groups she helped found, and her books include the collection of essays Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions, Revolution from Within, Moving Beyond Words and her memoir, My Life on the Road, detailing her more than thirty years as a feminist organizer.
Her Story Screening - Oct. 12th from 7 pm to 9 pm – 0127 Curtiss Hall
This screening will explore how domestic violence impacts trans women. A discussion will follow the screening.
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Undergraduate and Graduate Resources
Selected WS Courses - Spring 2017- Registration Begins in October
WS 203: Intro to Lesbian Studies - TR 2:10-3 pm
WS 210: Gender & Sex in American Pop Culture - TR 12:40-2 pm
WS 350: Women of Color- U.S. - MWF 11-11:50 am
WS 402/502: Feminist Research in Action - M 3:10-6 pm
Selected Online Courses
WS 301: International Perspectives on Women & Gender (1st and 2nd half)
WS 320: EcoFeminism
WS 325: Portrayals of Gender and Sexualities in the Media
WS 450: Gender Issues in Sports
Undergraduate Students
Major Fair: Oct. 19th from 10 am to 2 pm – Great Hall, Memorial Union
More than 100 ISU majors and minors are represented in this event for students who are open-option, undecided, thinking about changing their major, or struggling to find a career path. Hosted by Career Exploration Services in Student Counseling Service.
Build your Leadership Skills!
Do you want to build up your leadership skills from the inside out? The Leaders Workshop Series will give you the opportunity to engage in activities and discussions that will help you establish your personal values, learn some tips and tricks on how to build an effective team and community, strategies for promoting yourself and your organization, and planning events.
Pre-Register:
http://www.sac.iastate.edu/leadership-service-center/leadership-programs-/leaders-workshop-series/
Personal Values: Wednesday, October 5 | 6-8pm | MU Gallery
Getting Involved: Tuesday, October 11 | 6-8pm | MU Gallery
Building a Common Purpose: Thursday, October 20 | 6-8pm | MU Gallery
Empowering Others to Lead: Tuesday, October 25 | 6-8pm | MU Gallery
Graduate Students
Cyclone Strategy Workshop Series - Career Planning - Hach Hall - Room 3140 (Conference Room)
Attendance at all four sessions is HIGHLY recommended. Register for sessions individually! Limited spaces! First Event of the Semester October 27 @ 12 Noon
Register https://public.pd.grad-college.iastate.edu/event/view/70 Contact: Karin Lawton-Dunn, kldunn@iastate.edu.
Center for Communication Excellence (CCE): Support for Writing and Communication Skills
Individual feedback and guidance on research writing: Make an appointment with Consultants to get help with various forms of your academic communication. Link: http://cce.grad-college.iastate.edu/
Sign up for participation in a Graduate Peer Review Group to receive constructive, peer feedback on your academic writing. Link: http://cce.grad-college.iastate.edu/gpwg
Three-Minute Thesis Competition (3MT®) - November 15 from 2 – 5 p.m - 1213 Hoover Hall
$500 for FIRST PLACE, $250 for SECOND PLACE, $100 for THIRD PLACE
REGISTRATION SITE (deadline Oct. 6th):
https://iastate.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_eXUnq50zFrSGMlL
MORE INFORMATION:
http://www.grad-college.iastate.edu/three-minute-thesis/
The winner of our competition will be funded to represent Iowa State University at a regional competition in Indianapolis, Indiana, on April 7, 2017.
WGS Newsletter edited by Elisa Cardenas
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