November 1998

Related Links Women's Studies Research and Resource Center at George Mason University

Bergoffen Is New Director of Woman's Studies Debra Bergoffen, Philosophy and Religious Studies, is the new director of the Women's Studies program and the Women's Studies Research and Resource Center, effective Sept. 1. She succeeds Anita Taylor, who is co-chairing the Department of Communication this semester and traveling to Evergreen State College in Washington for a faculty exchange in the spring. In addition, Rose Pascarell, associate director of the Women's Center, is dividing her time between the center and the Office of University Life. Kristin Samuelian, a faculty member in English and Women's Studies, is now also an associate director. "The center has always been an important, vital resource for the community and students, and it has offered some wonderful programs," says Bergoffen. In the future, Bergoffen plans to continue with the quality programming but put more emphasis on faculty research and scholarship. "We want to create a venue for Women's Studies faculty members to collaborate," she continues, "and to create opportunities for them to report on their scholarship." Among the new activities currently planned by the center is a faculty lecture series. Because Women's Studies is an interdisciplinary program, faculty members come from departments and schools all over the university. "We have a wonderful Women's Studies faculty, and I don't think the university really knows who they are," says Bergoffen. "I want to help identify our faculty to the university community." The inaugural Women's Scholars Lecture features Margaret Brinig, School of Law. On Nov. 11, following a dinner at Crossroads Restaurant, she speaks about law, economics, and family issues. The event begins at 5:30 p.m., and a discussion follows Brinig's presentation. A number of activities are also happening this semester. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Dec. 2, the center is showing videos that deal with women's issues, including such foreign films as Raise the Red Lantern (Oct. 28) and Ju Dou (Nov. 3 and 4). Screenings are from noon to 2 p.m.; check with the center for details. Also, on Nov. 4, Women's Center volunteers work with adolescent girls in a Sister to Sister Workshop. The Women's Studies Research and Resource Center is located in the Johnson Center, Room 240K. For more information about the center and its upcoming projects, call x32896.