Please join us for the keynote portion of our celebration marking 50 years since the founding of the Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies (GSW) program at Wayne State University. Centered on the theme Past, Present, and Futures, the day highlights the program's work on campus and the evolution and expansion of the field of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies. Founded through grassroots organizing in 1976, the GSW program has remained a vital site for scholarship, teaching, and engagement grounded in feminist, queer, and intersectional perspectives. 

12:00 PM – Celebratory Luncheon
An invite-only luncheon featuring a roundtable conversation with alumni, current students, affiliate faculty, and past GSW directors.

3:30 PM – 50th Anniversary Keynote Lecture
Hilberry EF, Student Center
Andrea Ritchie, “Abolition, Feminism, and Anti-Authoritarian Organizing”

5:00 PM – 50th Anniversary Reception
Center for Gender & Sexuality, 6th Floor
A reception welcoming attendees into the new Center for Gender & Sexuality, providing space to connect across campus and celebrate the ongoing work of GSW with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners.

Between events, guests are invited to visit the Center for Gender & Sexuality on the 6th floor to view an archival exhibit documenting the history of the GSW program and to tour the new space.

Please RSVP by 3/1/26. We look forward to celebrating with you!

This and all other programs at the Center for Gender and Sexuality are open to all members of the campus community