Celebrating Women at HSU

Women are empowered and celebrated at Hardin-Simmons University daily. Across all areas of campus, from Administrative Council to student government to alumni relations, women sit at the table and lead the conversation. Throughout Women’s History Month, HSU will host a variety of events to celebrate and lift up female voices. 

Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the contributions of women to society, culture, and history. Celebrated in the United States since 1987, the month of March serves as a time of reflection of the past and an inspiration for change in the future. International Women’s Day is a global celebration of women that takes place each March. International Women’s Day is March 8 and the theme for 2022 is “Break the Bias.”

Dr. Tiffany Fink

Dr. Tiffany Fink, Professor of History, challenges students to see how feminism and Christianity coexist saying, “Jesus loved, empowered, trusted, and educated women. He was often found sitting with the outcast and the oppressed. ” She went on to share a quote from Gloria Steinem, saying, “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.” 

Professor Melissa Milliorn ’93, Department Head of Social Work and Professor of Social Work, spoke of HSU’s deep history of female empowerment by saying, “Women have long been a part of HSU, from its inception. HSU’s history is inclusive of the roles and contributions of women to this institution and the community that surrounds us.” 

There are various ways students can participate in the celebration of Women’s History Month. All are welcome to attend the International Women’s Day Panel in Moody 108 on March 8 at 7:00 p.m. The panel is comprised of student leaders and will be moderated by Dr. Fink. 

Throughout the month of March, there will be a campus-wide feminine product drive to help support women, locally and internationally. The donations received will go to various organizations that empower women including Abilene Hope Haven, Noah Project, New Beginnings, Love & Care Ministries, and the PA Kenya Mission Trip. 

The university has held the drive for five years and while it may seem like simple hygiene items, it can truly be transformative for many of the women who receive them. The donations touch the lives of the homeless, abused, and recently freed from incarceration. Dr. Fink encourages students to participate by simply picking up duplicates when they go to purchase something for themselves.  

Students can also wear a physical symbol of unity by picking up a purple ribbon from the circulation desk at Richardson Library on Internation Women’s Day.