Karlin, Klein first to receive two new UW-Green Bay scholarships

GREEN BAY — Two University of Wisconsin-Green Bay students received the first scholarships given at the University for student excellence in “Women’s and Gender Studies” and student excellence in “GLBT Activism.”

Jamie Karlin, a senior biology major from Manitowoc, won a $250 merit scholarship for GLBT activism.
Kelli Klein, a junior political science major from Madison, was the recipient of a $250 merit scholarship for Women’s and Gender Studies.

Karlin has been active on campus, providing leadership in the student organization Sexuality And Gender Alliance. She was the primary student liaison for the third annual LGBTQ System Conference, held at UW-Green Bay last spring. She has career goals in the sciences, and hopes to continue her work furthering the quality of life for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender populations after graduation.

Klein worked for Wisconsin Senator Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) throughout the last election and hopes to work to improve the lives of women globally, possibly through the Peace Corps, after graduation. She attended the inauguration of President Barack Obama in January in Washington, D. C., where she met Ellen Malcolm, founder of EMILY’s List, an experience she describes as “life changing.”

The scholarships were made possible with proceeds from UW-Green Bay’s turn as host, in April 2008, of the UW System’s annual LGBTQ and women’s studies conferences.  The UW System Women’s Studies Consortium, established in 1989, has made significant progress in strengthening ongoing activities and developing new initiatives in Women’s Studies forums.

UW-Green Bay has had Women’s Studies as a minor since 1973. The program recently changed its name to Women’s and Gender Studies to better reflect the coursework material.

“It’s difficult to talk about women without talking about the larger issue of gender,” said Prof. Alison Gates, Women’s and Gender Studies chair. “Gender roles are being redefined more inclusively and are becoming more a part of the discussion, globally. The primary position of feminism is being broadened.”

UW-Green Bay’s Women’s and Gender Studies program explores women’s past and present contributions to societies as persons, creators, and thinkers. It also explores the cultural, racial, and economic diversity of women’s experiences as well as the scholarship concerned with the factors that affect women’s lives. The 18-credit liberal arts minor prepares students to think critically about issues with which they will be faced all of their lives.

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