Celebrating Women’s History Month at TU

By Pamela Gorsuch on March 1, 2023

Since its inception in 1866, women have been central to Towson University’s scholarship and success.

TU’s first female principal was appointed in 1909—more than a decade before U.S. women earned the right to vote. Presidents like Lida Lee Tall and Theresa Wiedefeld forged a path of strong leadership that continues today.

Throughout March, TU will celebrate women’s history by recognizing the leaders, changemakers and visionaries who have advanced and our institution, hosting programs to explore the ongoing push for progress and highlighting opportunities to propel the next generation of women trailblazers.

One of the nation’s first women’s studies programs

Founded in 1973 to address the absence of female perspectives and authors in traditional scholarship, TU’s women’s studies program grew into a stand-alone department offering bachelor’s, master’s and post-baccalaureate degree certificates on a range of topics related to gender and its role in society. This broader curriculum led to a new name, women’s and gender studies. This year, the department celebrates its 50th anniversary as women’s rights remain at the forefront of national and global politics. 

Scholarship, mentorship & leadership opportunities

A range of scholarship, mentorship and professional development programs at TU create opportunities for women of all ages. Among them are the MentHER program, which empowers undergraduate and high school students through 1:1 mentoring relationships, and the Outstanding Young Women Leaders program, which offers skill-building opportunities and scholarships to high school girls.

Women in STEM can receive professional development, mentorship, career exploration and a supportive community through the Hill-Lopes Scholars Program, while the Tall-Wiedefeld Society awards grants to projects that benefit women in the TU community.

Additional groups focus on supporting and advancing women in science, technology, business, philosophy, finance and more. Information on women-focused organizations is available through Involved at TU.

Women’s History Month programming

A variety of programs and events are scheduled to celebrate women’s history at TU. Here’s a look at some of what’s happening this month:

Women’s History Month events

“Picture a Scientist” film screening & panel discussion


Thurs., March 2, 6 p.m., UU Theatre

Join the Hill-Lopes Scholars Program for a screening of the feature-length documentary film “Picture a Scientist.” It chronicles the groundswell of researchers who are writing a new chapter for women scientists by providing new perspectives on how to make science more diverse, equitable and open to all. After the film, there will be a panel discussion featuring faculty from the Fisher College of Science & Mathematics, College of Liberal Arts and The Office of Inclusion & Institutional Equity. RSVP to attend.

Women in Leadership Conference

Fri., March 3 to Sat., March 4, multiple times, Science Complex

All women-identifying individuals are invited to register for the 2023 Women in Leadership Conference. Join us in exploring the theme of Defining Womanhood. The conference begins at 4 p.m. Friday with a student-only power hour to learn networking skills from the Career Center. At 5:30 p.m., the conference officially kicks off with a networking cocktail hour for all participants. Day two will host a panel and conference breakout sessions surrounding the topics of identity, socialization, barrier breaking, leadership and physicality. Register to attend.

Women in Science Forum

Sat., March 4, 9:30 a.m., South Campus Pavilion

The forum invites secondary, undergraduate and graduate students, secondary teachers and all mathematics and science faculty to learn about career paths for women scientists and mathematicians and explore the considerations involved in entering the disciplines. Speakers from Northrop Grumman and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health will present on their career paths and tips for success. Register to attend.

Tall-Wiedefeld Society Spring Mixer & Grant Awards


Wed., March 8, 4:30 p.m., South Campus Pavilion

The society will host a networking event to celebrate International Women’s Day and the first-annual awarding of Tall-Wiedefeld Society grants. Meet the award winners, learn about their programs, network and enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. For more information, email tws AT_TOWSON.

Advancing Women in the Workplace workshop

Wed., March 29 to Thurs., March 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., South Campus Pavilion

During this two-day workshop, women will craft the next steps of their journeys—assessing their strengths and values to align themselves to their leadership purpose. They will also build a network of supporters to advance their leadership and to champion successful women across the workforce. Learn more.

‘She’s in CTRL’ book discussion

Thurs., April 6, 6 p.m., UU Ballrooms

Join Anne-Marie Imafidon for a keynote about her book “She’s in CTRL,” a guidebook for women to take back tech. Imafidon is the co-founder of Stemettes, an award-winning social initiative dedicated to inspiring and promoting the next generation of young women in the STEM sectors. Deemed a prodigy, she was the youngest girl to pass A-level computing at age 11 and was just 20 years old when she received her master’s degree in mathematics and computer science from the University of Oxford. Register to attend.

Stay tuned to this page for event updates, or email community AT_TOWSON to request an addition.