Raindrops were falling outside Sept. 30, but the sun was shining in the Michigan League Ballroom as the Center for the Education of Women (CEW) marked its 30th anniversary.
Co-founded by Louise Cain, who wrote the proposal for CEW, and Jean Campbell, the Center was the first of its kind on any American campus, one devoted to service, research and advocacy for women.
In opening remarks at the reception, President James J. Duderstadt commented on the CEW’s “enormous importance to the University and all of higher education. The breadth of the programs is impressive.”
Commenting on the center’s role as advocate, the president noted that CEW also has been a center for the education of men, adding that that education helped “convince men of the concerns and challenges facing women,” leading to the Women’s Agenda, announced by Duderstadt last spring.
“We are in a process of transition at the University,” the president stated, “and CEW plays a critical role.”
“Never underestimate the small accomplishments, and don’t try to walk before you can crawl. CEW is walking, really running, upward and onward.”
Jean Campbell, CEW director 1964–85
“It gives me a thrill to see so many here and to know that you support the Center,” CEW Director Carol S. Hollenshead told those attending the Center’s 30th anniversary reception. In her remarks, Hollenshead acknowledged those who over the years supported CEW, including “founding mothers” Jean Campbell and Louise Cain. Hollenshead noted that over the years CEW “has advocated for change at the University and in all of higher education, and served as a resource for research on women’s lives. We mark today 30 years of leadership and learning.”
Frustrated at age 30 with a corporate job, Clarita Mays learned about CEW’s scholarship program in 1986. CEW made her feel “that there were people who believed in me. They helped me make my dream come true and that feeling has remained with me.
“I’m in a position now to see CEW from another perspective and I also have an opportunity to help people in a supportive way. Thank you for ‘being there.’”
Clarita Mays, assistant dean of student and multicultural affairs, School of Social Work, and 1986–87 CEW Scholar
CEW “is a vibrant place, where even men can get advice. I salute you and remind you that a birthday is one day in a stream of days. ‘Onward and upward’ is the proper message.”
Gilbert R. Whitaker Jr., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, who was won over to CEW’s cause by Jean Campbell’s “quiet, effective assertiveness.”
“My experience embodied more than an internship. I came in very frustrated and despairing about my employment and the limited opportunities in that industry. I was driving along and heard an ad on the radio. It was a miracle. I attended the Step Before the Job Search workshop and was fortunate to have time to follow the process. My internship at the Business School Alumni Relations Office was a wonderful experience. Now, three years and three months later I have a permanent position at the University, and this year I’ll employ an administrative intern.”
Keven Burchfield, program coordinator, Davidson Institute, and 1991–92 CEW Administrative Intern
“I was invited into a lab and did experiments, and there were presentations every evening on careers. I started thinking about studying science. The program was the most wonderful experience ever. I can’t say enough about what the center did for me, and I know I’d be welcomed by the center if I ever need help.”
Amy Smith, first-year student, participant in Summerscience in 8th grade (1990) and an intern in a Warner-Lambert lab as part of the Science for Life program in 1993
