HGSA just wants to take a moment to thank everyone who came out and made the HGSA Kick-off event at the Rice Gallery a big success. We had over 70 people turn up in great enthusiasm and everyone involved in HGSA–it could be you!–felt a big lift as a result. It is energy we will use to push forward an agenda that serves our graduate students and the whole Humanities in the coming year and beyond.

The event was an opportunity for many to meet Dean of the School of Humanities Nicolas Shumway. He has been nothing but supportive of our organization since the idea of creating a HGSA was raised last year. He told us that he had a great time meeting everyone, and we are sure the experience was mutual. A big thanks goes out to him.

Director of the Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Rosemary Hennessy spoke about the center and the certificate program, as well as the journal Feminist Economics. Both the certificate program and Fem Ec fellowships are fantastic opportunities for professionalization and extra income, and we are all very thankful to Professor Hennessy for taking the time to speak to new and veteran graduate students alike.

If you were not there, you missed the opportunity to hear all about an exciting new program at Rice, the Center for Critical and Cultural Theory (3CT), which Director Cary Wolfe was kind enough to introduce for you. Professor Wolfe’s 3CT will be hosting all manner of events well worth your interest, which you can learn about by clicking the above link. They also have a graduate certificate program for which anyone theory- and/or philosophy-oriented should consider applying.

You also had a chance to learn about the Humanities Research Center, a great resource for all our graduate students for anything from training, to workshops, to conference funding and beyond. You shouldn’t miss the upcoming lecture by Samantha Frost on September 20th.

If any of this flew by attendees, it was likely because of the marvelous exhibit by Soo Sunny Park called Unwoven Light. Hopefully you had a chance to marvel, but no doubt the next event at the Rice Gallery will be extraordinary as well. A gigantic thanks goes out to them for granting us the space and donating food, drinks, and services.

Saint Arnold and Valhall also deserve a round of applause for their contributions, as well as all of the volunteers who stepped up and made it a safe and fun time.

The best part of it for us, honestly, was hearing from our colleagues in the School of Humanities about their hopes and dreams at Rice. Everyone will continue to benefit from widespread involvement from all graduate students, and hopefully we will be able to work to honor all interests henceforth.

We will let you know in the coming days about other news updates and upcoming events.

Thanks and best,

Your HGSA officers and department reps