Rider celebrates 35th anniversary of the Gender and Sexuality Studies program

On Thursday, Nov. 20, the Rider Women’s Leadership Council (RWLC) joins the Gender and Sexuality Studies program in celebrating its 35th anniversary. Held in North Hall, Room 202, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., the event features an eye-opening discussion with Tiffani Lennon '97, chair of Law and Society at Colorado Women's College of the University of Denver. Her talk, "Move Beyond Mediocrity to Employ the Best and Brightest," explores Lennon's ground-breaking research findings surrounding influential women directing “Lean In” and “Take The Lead” movements.  

Lennon chairs the Law and Society and community-based research programs at The Colorado Women’s College of the University of Denver. She is the author and lead researcher of the second edition of The White House Project’s Benchmarking Women’s Leadership. Her book, Recognizing Women's Leadership: Strategies and Best Practices for Employing Excellence, was released in August and discusses best practices and strategies that ensure gender parity and optimal business performance.

Started in 1979 by visionary faculty member Dr. Virginia Cyrus as the Women's Studies program, the program has broadened its scale and focus over the years. Now called the Gender and Sexuality Studies program, this field of study allows students to explore the complex interactions among race, class, ethnicity, gender and sexuality.  

In honor of her contributions to the program, the family of the late Dr. Virginia Cyrus will be presented with the Sesquicentennial Medal of Excellence, a medal given to the best and brightest in Rider's history in honor of the University's 150th anniversary.  

There is no charge to attend the event, but participants are asked to consider making a gift to support scholarship for Rider women. Register online at alumni.rider.edu/rwlcgssevent.