The women’s and gender studies (WGS) program is gearing up for its 20th annual symposium, which will be held Friday, April 17, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Bone Student Center. Here is a look at last year’s schedule.

This year’s keynote speech will be delivered at 1 p.m. by Jennifer Lisa Vest, an author, lecturer, and performing artist who synthesizes poetry, spoken word, philosophy, and feminist theories to address social justice issues. Vest identifies as a mixed-race individual and uses her work to address race issues as well as many other layers that intersect with feminism (class, socioeconomic status, gender, etc.).

Each year undergraduate and graduate students are invited to submit papers and detailed descriptions of other types of presentations. The WGS Symposium welcomes papers and presentations on any topic relevant to the study of women or gender. All students who submit a paper or presentation are required to have a faculty member serve as their sponsor.

Submissions are due to mldartt@IllinoisState.edu by March 16.