September 23, 2026 — the Institute for Women's and Gender Studies kicked off their event-filled fiftieth anniversary year with a well-attended Fall Faculty Reception featuring a panel discussion with Dr. Karen Calhoun, one of the founders of the Women's Studies program, and Dr. Juanita Johnson-Bailey, who was director of the Institute from 2009-2022. After a catered lunch and socializing, attendees were welcomed by current director Dr. Patricia Richards, followed by Dr. Anna Stenport, Dean of Franklin College, who shared her appreciation of the Institute with some heartfelt remarks. The panel discussion featured fascinating stories of how the program was started, what the campus atmosphere was like in the late 1970s, and the ongoing work to create a more inclusive and equitable world for all genders, races, and sexualities. WGS was pleased to welcome a number of emerita faculty and university administrators in addition to our current core and affiliate faculty members. We look forward to seeing folks again at our upcoming events!