Across international boundaries and vastly different cultures, women face the threat of sexual violence and issues of gender equality and empowerment. Meghan Fitzgerald has seen it firsthand. More importantly, she is doing something about it.
Nearly 80 graduates of the former College of Home Economics met in Portland on Sept. 29. Dean Tammy Bray led the group on a journey from the college’s early beginnings to accreditation and where the college is headed in the future.
“I became passionate about this topic when I saw how effected these young women were who confided in me,” says Aili Johnston, who started a sexual violence awareness program for the US Forest Service after graduation. “I felt compelled to say and do something, and to stand up for those who can’t do so for themselves.”
College of Public Health and Human Sciences alumna Jenny Jackson, PhD ’15, has received the 2015 Student Leader Award from Oregon State University for her contributions to students, the community and Oregon.
In addition to a record-breaking number of graduates in the college – more than 800 undergraduates and nearly 100 graduate students – these graduating students are the first to earn a degree from the newly accredited College of Public Health and Human Sciences.
“Drag is more than just getting on stage in high heels and a gorgeous dress with makeup on my face,” says CPHHS senior Luke Kawasaki. “I use drag to tell the world that gender queer and trans bodies are not something to be feared or ignored.”