Thursday she will be speaking at Shawnee State University, as part of the dedication of the new Women's Center, at 7 p.m. at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.
Thomas had been nominated by President George H.W. Bush to the United State's Supreme Court, but Hill came forward with accusations that Thomas had sexually harassed her, when she had worked for him while he was head of the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission.
The events surrounding the dedication will begin at 4 p.m. with a ribbon cutting.
This is the first year for the center which was approved last spring.
“We have been operating under the banner of the Women's Forum for a good five years, and we have been able to do things that touch many people, now the center will be where those activities emanate from,” said Roberta Milliken, Ph.D., director for the center. “We have helped the domestic violence center, by conducting drives to help them get items they need, and our First Impressions program, helps us provide gently-worn business clothing for men and women to wear for things like job interviews.”
Tess Midkiff, director of the Clark Memorial library said the center will be a clearinghouse.
“Now it will be the focal point for all events,” said Midkiff. “It will be a physical place for everyone to come together.”
Milliken said the Women's Studies program has spawned a course.
“We have been able to give women and men a good background on women's issues, and we have coordinated a Women's Studies minor,” she said.
Milliken said the center will deal with other issues involving women as well.
“Heart health is a growing concern among women, and we are involved in that. We also have a breast cancer awareness run in the spring,” said Milliken. “And we showcase the talent of women, with creative talks, by bringing in speakers, and we display a collection of students art work in our magazine, Tapestries.”
Milliken talked about the Leslie Williams Symposium for the advancement of women, which usually features one well-known speaker. Hill will be speaking on the topic of “Women and the 21st Century Judiciary: Vision, Voice and Representation.”
Milliken said that all activities were housed under the Women's Forum for years, “with strictly volunteers. Now this will enable us to continue, but under a director.”
The SSU Board of Trustees approved the Women's Center proposal, written by Milliken and Midkiff on April 21, and according to those involved, the mission of the center is to empower, educate and advance women on campus and in the community.
The Women's Center is located in Massie Hall, room 019 and is currently open from 9 a.m. until noon, and after 2 p.m..
Milliken said Hill is expected to be at the ribbon cutting Thursday afternoon.
FRANK LEWIS can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 232.
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