Women's Conference Schedule

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Registration Center Open

The registration center will be open for anyone arriving on Thursday. Alumni & Parent Welcome Center, 101 Scott Lane

9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Registration Center Open

The Registration Center will be open for all attendees to check in, pick up their event materials and receive their name badge. Please note that all attendees are required to check in. Alumni & Parent Welcome Center, 101 Scott Lane 

8 - 10 a.m. Breakfast 

Self pay through the servery. Check out local restaurants for additional options. Peirce Hall

10 - 11 a.m. Goat Yoga with Pure Passions Farm

Start your day with a little movement, a lot of laughter, and some adorable four-legged companions! Join us for Goat Yoga with Pure Passions Farm, where gentle yoga meets playful interactions with friendly goats. Event-specific registration required for this activity. Sign-up will be shared with registrants in the fall. Cox Center Lawn

11 a.m. Alumni Seminar: Using Art to Foster Observation Skills in an Introductory Biology Lab 

Head back to class and join us for an interdisciplinary conversation on how students in Introduction to Experimental Biology engage in a prolonged observation exercise with artwork from The Gund’s permanent collection to hone observation and develop higher-order skills that are difficult to teach. Featuring Jennifer McMahon, Lead Instructor and Director of Introductory Labs in Biology and Jodi Kovach, Pamela and Christopher Hoehn-Saric Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs and Education at The Gund. Limited to 25 participants. Sign-up will be shared with registrants in the fall. 101 Kreage Classroom, The Gund

11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Documentary Screening with Jennifer Mizenko ’85

Jennifer Mizenko is a Professor Emerita of Dance & Movement for the Actor at the University of Mississippi where she ran the dance and movement program for 30 years. Her recent creative research has focused on community projects that tell the stories of the enslaved in Lafayette Co., Mississippi. She was the producer and choreographer of two site-specific physical theatre projects that brought to life the research of the University of Mississippi Slavery Research Group, one of which is featured in the award-winning 33-minute documentary Moving Spirits: Encountering the Ancestors that will be screened, with a discussion to follow. Location TBD 

11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch

Please note the Peirce servery is busiest around noon when students are also having lunch. Check out local restaurants for additional options. Peirce Hall

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Open Swim

Open to all. James A. Steen Aquatic Center inside the Lowry Center

1:15 p.m. Beyond the Gates: Kenyon’s Newest Additions Tour

Join Kenyon student Macy Shelton ’29 for a guided walking tour of the College’s newest spaces. Get a firsthand look at how campus has evolved while hearing insights from today’s student experience. Meet at the north door of the Church of the Holy Spirit

1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Alumni Seminar: Political Science 449, Democracy in Crisis

Join alumnae with domestic and international relations expertise for this seminar version of Professor Pam Camerra-Rowe’s course. PoliSci 449 looks at the rise of nationalist right-wing parties, limitations on the free press, the erosion of democratic norms, political party and civil society polarization, apathy on the part of young people, the spread of disinformation and how abuses of democratic institutions pose serious threats to the values that liberal democratic regimes seek to uphold. The course examines the ways democratic backsliding has manifested itself in various countries such as Hungary, Poland, Turkey, the Philippines and the United States; discusses why it has occurred; the consequences for citizens; and the ways in which democratic regimes can be protected from democratic erosion. Oden Auditorium

Featuring:

Elise Van Winkle ’96, Deputy Director of Military Force Management Policy, Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon 

Jenny Mallamo ’08, Senior Director for Communications and Public Affairs, The Brookings Institution

Rebecca Shoot ’06, Co-Convener, Washington Working Group for the International Criminal Court and Co-Convener, ImPact Coalition on Strengthening International Judicial Institutions

Professor of Political Science Pam Camerra-Rowe (moderator)

Harry M. Clor Professor of Political Science Dave Rowe (moderator) 

3 p.m. Alumni Seminar: Using Art to Foster Observation Skills in an Introductory Biology Lab

Head back to class and join us for an interdisciplinary conversation on how students in Introduction to Experimental Biology engage in a prolonged observation exercise with artwork from The Gund’s permanent collection to hone observation and develop higher-order skills that are difficult to teach. Featuring Jennifer McMahon, Lead Instructor and Director of Introductory Labs in Biology and Jodi Kovach, Pamela and Christopher Hoehn-Saric Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs and Education at The Gund. Limited to 25 participants. Sign-up will be shared with registrants in the fall. 101 Kreage Classroom, The Gund

4 p.m. Meaning of Death: Putting Life in Perspective

Inspired by the popular Religious Studies class, this conversation will explore universal end-of-life questions, planning, supports and spirituality with experts in the field. From how we talk and think about this universal experience as a society to how to support a loved one, with recognition of the outsized role women play as caregivers. Pair with “Life of Meaning” session on Saturday for an exploration of how the meaning of death is about the meaning of life. Oden Auditorium

Featuring:

Larae Bush Schrader ’97 (moderator), estate panning and elder law

Dr. Katie Cunin ’97, hospitalist and hospice physician

Royal Rhodes, professor emeritus of religious studies

Gina Kornfeind ’85, community outreach and training manager at Good Grief

5:30 - 7 p.m. Conference Kickoff Celebration

The inaugural Women’s Conference at Kenyon will kick off with a celebratory welcome reception, bringing together alumni, students, faculty and friends for an evening of connection and inspiration. Join us as we open this exciting new chapter with a small plates dinner, beverages (including beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks) and the opportunity to reconnect with classmates, meet fellow attendees and build new relationships across generations. This relaxed and welcoming gathering will set the tone for a weekend of meaningful conversations, thought-provoking sessions and shared experiences. Immediately followed by music and s’mores on the Gund Commons Patio. Gund Ballroom

7 - 9 p.m. Music & S’mores

Join us for a complimentary food truck, music and s’mores. In case of inclement weather, this event will be rescheduled to Saturday at 10:30 p.m. Gund Commons Patio

7 - 8:30 p.m. Sisterhood Networking Reception

Join Sisterhood for a special reception bringing together alumni and current students for an evening of connection, conversation and community. This gathering is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds across generations of Sisterhood members, celebrate shared experiences and foster meaningful relationships. Alumni Dining Room, Peirce Hall

9 p.m. Miller Observatory Open House

Open to the public, weather permitting. Hosted by Paula Turner, professor of physics. Miller Observatory: Turn right from Wiggin St. onto Route 229, drive about 0.2 miles, and turn right onto the blacktop road marked by a Kenyon sign. Follow the road up the hill to the observatory. Parking is limited.

6:30 - 11:30 a.m. Lowry Center Shuttle Service

A free shuttle will run between the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Lowry Center.

7 - 8:45 a.m Morning Swim, Relays with the Team

Alumni are welcome to join at 8 a.m. James A. Steen Aquatic Center, Lowry Center 

9:30 - 10:45 a.m. History of Women’s Swimming and Diving 

With Retired Coach Jim Steen and Lords and Ladies Alumni Head Coach, Owls Swimming and Diving Jess Book ’01. Lowry Center Theatre 

9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Plein-Air Watercolor

Relax and enjoy a creative morning with watercolor painting. Drop in to pick up supplies and paint at your own pace or stay awhile and create alongside others. No experience is necessary — all skill levels are welcome. Supplies will be provided to the first 60 attendees. The session will be led by Wendy Fetters, veteran artist and champion of the Brown Family Environmental Center. Location TBD

9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Social Effects of Climate Change 

Ascension 220, Philomathesian Hall

Featuring:

Colette Pichon Battle ’97 H’18, climate activism and disaster recovery

Sarah Dougherty ’11, renewable energy

Kate Boicourt ’06. New York State director at Environmental Defense Fund

Lisa Schott ’80, former managing director of the Philander Chase Conservancy (moderator)

11 a.m. - noon. Keynote: Never Ever Give Up featuring Diana Nyad

Nyad takes the audience on a dramatic journey into the vast, dangerous ocean between Cuba and Florida, conveying the power of the human spirit that was behind her historic crossing, becoming the first and only person in history to swim non-stop the 110.86 miles in 52 hours, 54 minutes. This is not a sports story. It’s a story of the refusal to give up, the unwavering commitment to pursue perhaps impossible dreams, the courage to fail by drilling down to one’s true grit, even if the journey does not end at the final destination. Rosse Hall

12:15 - 1:30 p.m. Lunch Recognizing the Impact of Women at Kenyon

All conference participants are invited to join President Julie Kornfeld in this sit-down luncheon with brief remarks to explore the impact and legacy of Kenyon women, on the world and the College. Gund Ballroom, Gund Commons

1 p.m. Women’s Volleyball vs. Depauw

Lowry Center

1 p.m. Women’s Soccer vs. Depauw

Mavec Field

1 - 2 p.m. By Design: Kenyon Makers on Building a Business

Entrepreneurs Elizabeth Faraut ’92, founder of LA LOOP, and Amy Peterson '02, co-founder and CEO of Rebel Nell, will share stories about finding inspiration and turning it into purpose. Peterson was drawn to the idea of repurposing fallen graffiti into unique jewelry, and saw an opportunity to not only create beautiful pieces but also to address social issues. Faraut turned a common problem of misplacing reading glasses into an elegant jewelry solution. Liz Vitellaro ’97 will moderate. Archon Auditorium, Oden Hall

1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Moving through Dance History: An Interactive Workshop and Lecture

Join Willow Green ’21 and Professor of Dance Julie Brodie for a set series of movements, then guide through the improvisation sections from Kenyon College's dance program founder, Maggie Patton. Including a lecture based on their book “Dance, Notation, and Experiential Learning: Essays on the Legacy of Maggie Patton.” Accessible for all, no experience required. Wear comfortable clothing to move in. We will offer a guided warm up as well as accessible movement exploration. Shaffer (Bolton) Dance Studio

2:15 - 3:15 p.m. Accountability, Accessibility and Advocacy: Perspectives on Health Moderated by President Julie Kornfeld

Women face unique challenges accessing quality healthcare in this country. Our expert panel will provide an interdisciplinary conversation about how to advocate for yourself or others, the challenges and biases inherent in our for-profit system and how to be a better consumer of information. Archon Auditorium, Oden Hall

Featuring: 

Dr. Rebecca Dougherty ’96 P’29, physician advisor whose research explores the ways language in medicine perpetuate bias

Dr. Karen (Scotty) Scott ’98, physician scientist and author who created the first and only validated Patient Reported Experience Measure of Obstetric Racism

Ellen Stein ’13, epidemiologist researcher

Dr. Maggie Somple ’99 pediatrician

President Julie Kornfeld (moderator)

3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Life of Meaning: Noticing Happiness

Join psychology professors Laura A. King ’86 with the College of Arts and Sciences, University of Missouri, and Kenyon’s own Professor Leah Dickens for a positive conversation about how to recognize happiness and build a meaningful life. Community Foundation Theater, The Gund

6:30 Gala Dinner

9 p.m. All Alumnae Sing

Led by Professor of Music Benjamin “Doc” Locke. Steps of Rosse Hall

10:30 p.m. Boots on the Ground with Sisterhood

Sisterhood invites all conference attendees and members of the Kenyon community to join in an evening of fun, music and connection at a lively line dancing social. Featuring Tina Vaughn Smith ’03, who will dust off her purple boots to lead the group through a series of line dancing favorites, this event is designed to bring people together in celebration and community. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or trying line dancing for the first time, all are welcome to participate, laugh and enjoy an energetic evening of fellowship and fun. Come ready to dance, connect and celebrate alongside the Sisterhood community. Peirce Pub

8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Brunch

Self pay through the servery. Check out local restaurants for additional options. Peirce Hall