2025 WGSS Awards Ceremony and Reception

On Wednesday, April 23, the Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies gathered for its 2025 WGSS Awards Ceremony and Reception—a heartfelt celebration of the community’s dedication, achievements, and shared commitment to justice, scholarship, and advocacy.

Department Head Alicia Decker opened the program with reflections on the academic year, honoring the tremendous efforts of faculty, staff, and students whose work continues to strengthen the department’s mission and impact. Her remarks highlighted not only individual accomplishments, but also the collective energy and care that define WGSS at Penn State.

A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2025 Outstanding Alumnx Award to Binney H. C. Wietlisbach by Clarence Lang, Susan Welch Dean of the College of the Liberal Arts. A 1985 Psychology alumna and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at The Haverford Trust Company, Wietlisbach was recognized for her distinguished career in finance and her dedication to women’s empowerment through initiatives like The Haverford Speaker Series for Women®. Her presence and message were a powerful reminder of how WGSS values shape leadership across disciplines.

The ceremony also honored the Class of 2025, celebrating our graduating students and their accomplishments as scholars, activists, and community members. Special recognition was given to the work of Triota, the WGSS honor society, and the Penn State Reproductive Justice Project, whose leadership has fostered critical conversations and community engagement throughout the year.

A memorable moment of the evening was the induction of five new members into Triota, recognizing their academic excellence, commitment to feminist values, and contributions to the WGSS community.

In addition, the department celebrated both undergraduate and graduate student award winners, highlighting their excellence in academics, research, leadership, and service.

Throughout the evening, one message rang clear: the work being done in WGSS matters. Whether in the classroom, through scholarship, or in grassroots organizing, the department continues to model what it means to lead with purpose and vision.

We are proud of all that the WGSS community has accomplished this year and look forward to building on this momentum in the year to come.