First Women's Studies majors prepare to graduate

By Nalea J. Ko

Three years ago, military wife, Veronica Flores never imagined majoring in women’s studies, but after this semester she will be one of the first students to graduate with a degree in women’s studies from the University of Hawaii.

Originally from El Paso, Texas, Flores is majoring in psychology and women’s studies.  She was the first student to declare her major in women’s studies.  To date, two other students have filled out their paperwork to graduate this semester with a women’s studies degree. 

Flores’ husband of four years says he is proud that she was able to stick with school even after having her son, Apollo Jr, and enduring the journey alone while he is deployed overseas.  In one word Flores says she finds the prospect of graduating this semester, “Exciting.” 

Susan Hippensteele, women’s studies chair, says more students may join the group who makes up the first students to receive a women’s studies degree from UH.  “If this semester is any indication of what may happen in the future, I think that we will see a real growth in the program,” Hippensteele says. 

Women’s studies officially became a separate major in May 2007.  Although the women’s studies department could technically grant bachelors degrees since 1973, Hippensteele says the process has always been through the interdisciplinary studies department in the College of Arts and Sciences. 

And more majors are coming in every day, Hippensteele says.  “We are really excited about having a major because one of the things that happens is it helps build a community of students, and we do expect that is one of the things that will happen now that we are doing our own advising,” Hippensteele says. 

There has been talk among the women’s studies faculty for some time to have a separate major, says Hippensteele.  The women’s studies department knew it needed to make a change when students’ concerns mounted, Hippensteele says.
“Some students weren’t getting a major in women’s studies because they had to go through interdisciplinary studies. … And that concerned us,” Hippensteele says.  When she became chair of the department she simply finished the process.  Hippensteele says, “It’s what the students wanted, so that’s what we did.”

Having women’s studies under the interdisciplinary studies department meant students were required to see an advisor from its department and women’s studies.  A process some found confusing and discouraging.  Courtney Pierce, 21, intends to graduate in August 2007 with a degree in women’s studies.  But a year ago things were different.  Back then, she says she never would have pursued a degree in women’s studies.  “In the interdisciplinary studies department you have to do the proposal thing … it’s just tedious.”  Pierce says.  “Now that women’s studies is its own major, I just took the classes and that’s all.  It’s a lot easier to deal with.” 

Although Pierce says she was frustrated by the process of interdisciplinary studies program, some students are still pursuing women’s studies degrees through the department.  Suzannah Windstedt will be graduating this semester through the interdisciplinary studies program with a focus in women’s studies. 

Other students are choosing to pursue a degree directly through the women’s studies department.  Cheryl Sumimoto will graduate this semester with a degree in women’s studies and nursing.  Hippensteele says students often complained that their diplomas did not say “women’s studies,” but rather “interdisciplinary studies.”  It may seem insignificant to others, but for those majoring in women’s studies the designation meant a lot.  “I feel as if the Women’s Studies Department is now becoming officially recognized,” Flores says.

Kyle R. Mahoney, 22, is also part of the first graduating class of women’s studies.  A valedictorian graduate of Kapa'a High School, on Kauai, Mahoney says women’s studies first appealed to him because he was interested in the interdisciplinary approach and the diversity of courses.  “I like hearing the different voices.”  Mahoney says.  “A lot of classes I’ve taken have revolved around literature written by men and theories and philosophies of men.  I think studying feminist literature theory and philosophy helps make me more well-rounded.”

Excited as graduation comes nearer, Mahoney says he feels special being one of the first women’s studies majors in the history of UH since the department’s inception.  “It’s like I’m a pioneer, except without dysentery,” Mahoney jokes.  
As the inaugural women’s studies graduates prepare to purchase their caps and gowns, the women’s studies department plans for a celebration.  “It’s exciting.  Do I get a special diploma or anything?  No, I’m kidding.”  Mahoney says.  “It does feel special, though.  I hope that the program snags more undecided floaters out there.  It’s a great place to be.”

These hopeful graduates are reminiscing about the women’s studies department as if they already left.  As graduation looms near, Flores jokes that she will not miss the hassle of finding parking near campus.  She says she can still remember walking to school pregnant.  Some things will not be missed.  “Not to be cheesy, but I will miss the women’s studies department.  I’ve become familiar with almost everyone and enjoyed all the women’s studies courses.”  Flores says. “I just didn’t take the class and passed, I became familiar with the instructors and professors.”

The graduation paperwork completed, now all that is in order is the proper celebration.

Hippensteele says with a laugh of how to commemorate the first women’s studies graduates. “We will definitely have a ceremony of some sort I do not know what it will be exactly and Veronica has to have a crown.”  Who knows, Mahoney may get his special diploma after all. 

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