Looking Back: Women’s History Month at MU

Millersville University and the Ware Center for the Arts celebrated March as Women's History Month with a series of events and performances highlighting the diverse contributions, experiences and perspectives of women on campus and throughout the Lancaster community.

At Millersville, the International Women's Day celebration on March 18 brought together students, faculty, staff and community members for a program centered on inclusion, empowerment and connection. The event was organized by the President's Commission on the Status of Women under the leadership of Miranda Sweetman, Help Desk lead, and Samantha Moreno, senior financial aid counselor.

The program featured a student dance performance, panel discussion and affinity space conversations, a mix designed to balance education, storytelling, creativity and engagement.

"We also partnered with campus offices and community members to ensure the event wasn't just something to attend, but something to experience," Sweetman says. "The process was incredibly rewarding because it was rooted in purpose and collaboration."

Sweetman and Moreno emphasized the broader impact of the programming.

"These events foster connection, understanding and community," they say. "They also serve as a reminder that continued effort is needed to ensure women's voices are not only included, but valued."

In addition to the International Women's Day celebration, the University hosted the 36th Annual Anna Funk Lockey Lecture, presented by Dr. Kristy Szobocsan, principal at Warwick High School and a 2019 graduate of the Millersville/ Shippensburg Joint Doctoral Program, on March 26 at the Winter Center.

The student organization, the Millersville's Concerned Women's group, continues to meet weekly on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. in the Dr. Rita Smith-Wade-El Center for Intercultural Student Engagement located in the Adams House, providing an ongoing space for discussion and community building throughout the academic year.

The Ware Center also presented a diverse lineup of accomplished female musicians throughout March, featuring both internationally recognized performers and local talent.Celtic violinist Natalie MacMaster performed on March 7 alongside leading Celtic musicians from Ireland, England, Scotland and beyond, offering a globally influenced program rooted in tradition and innovation.

Jazz at the Lincoln Center returned to the venue on March 21 with "Great American Crooners," featuring vocalist Shenel Johns. The performance celebrated classic jazz traditions while highlighting contemporary talent.

MacMaster and Johns were selected as part of the Ware Center's Performing Arts Series, which brings nationally and internationally recognized artists to Lancaster.

"Both women are incredible musicians in their own right, but they represent two very different styles of music, exposing our community to women artists from diverse genres who are experts at their craft," says Cori Jackson, communication arts director at the Ware Center.

Women's History Month programming also featured Lancaster-based singer-songwriter and alumna Liz Fulmer '15, who performed on March 13 as part of the Ware Center's inaugural Lancaster Loves local music series. The series highlights original music from the region and showcases artists whose work reflects the local community.

"I believe it is so important to showcase women artists like Liz, who live in our region, to remind us that women right here in our community are making it a more beautiful and meaningful place to live through their art," Jackson says.

Missed these? Check out future events on campus and at the Ware Center.