WGS receives $100,000 grant from Mellon Foundation

April 9, 2024 (Volume 47, Number 16)
Article by Michele Coffill

Jessica Valenti behind podium with arm raised looking at center stage

four students in chairs, one holding book in lower right

two people in chairs in front of fireplace, Smash the Patriarchy banner behind them

The Mellon Foundation grant brought advocate and author Jessica Valenti to campus for a March 12 presentation.

Photo Credit: Ella McClintock

Grand Valley's Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies received a $100,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation to support ongoing activities and develop new initiatives.

The grant was part of $18 million awarded by the Mellon Foundation to 95 college and university programs under its new "Affirming Multivocal Humanities" initiative.

Julia Mason, associate professor and chair of WGS, said the grant period includes this winter semester and continues through the 2024-2025 academic year.

Mason said, for example, the grant will be used to support sending students and faculty members to the National Women’s Studies Association Conference in Detroit in November. It also brought advocate and author Jessica Valenti to campus for a March 12 presentation.

"We're grateful for the insight and support of the Mellon Foundation," Mason said. "Students will be able to attend the Detroit conference and network with social justice agencies and organizations. This grant amplifies the effect of our work in the discipline."