Celebrating International Women’s Day at Troy University
On March 8, Troy University’s College of Communication and Fine Arts alongside the John M. Long School of Music hosted their annual event in honor of International Women’s Day.
An Afternoon of Inspiration
The celebration, titled “An Afternoon of Music and Poetry,” took place at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts’ Wilson Auditorium. This year’s event featured 13 talented faculty and staff members from ROY, who performed a variety of musical pieces and poetry readings. Coordinated by Dr. Hui Ting Yang, Director of the John M. Long School of Music, and Dr. Shari Hoppin, Associate Professor at the Hall School of Journalism, the event showcased the strength and creativity of women in the arts.
Department Participation
Representatives from various departments participated, including English, History and Philosophy, the John M. Long School of Music, the Hall School of Journalism and Communication, International Programs, the Sorrell College of Business, and the Department of World Languages and Cultures.
Voices from Around the World
The performances and poetry readings highlighted works by female poets and composers, exploring diverse themes through international creations and verses from their native lands. The poetry was recited in multiple languages including Mandarin Chinese, Russian, Spanish, Polish, Urdu, and English, reflecting the global influence of women’s voices in literature and music.
Connecting Through Creativity
Dr. Yang expressed her enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the opportunity to collaborate with remarkable women who embody brilliance, kindness, resilience, and perseverance.
“The concept of fostering collaboration between music and other fields began in 2022,” Dr. Yang shared. “This event aims to enhance interdepartmental cooperation while showcasing, connecting, and uplifting TROY’s exceptionally talented female faculty and staff.”
A Celebration of Collaboration
Dr. Shari Hoppin expressed her gratitude for the contributions of all participants, remarking, “I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues each year to honor International Women’s Day. I am thankful for the women who commit their time and talent to this cause.”
Building a Community
Dr. Ayesha Tariq, Associate Professor of Marketing, has been a part of this event since its inception. She shared, “What I cherish most is the sense of community among my fellow female faculty at Troy. This event has introduced me to an incredible group of individuals.”
For her reading, Dr. Tariq selected “The Laughter of a Woman” by Fahmida Riaz, presenting it in both Urdu and English. “Many of her poems address social and gender hierarchies, especially within the Pakistani context. I believe these issues resonate universally, transcending national boundaries,” Dr. Tariq explained. “The poem I recited touches on the duality of femininity—both delicate and strong, and reflects how those in power often fail to ensure peace for women.”
A Continuing Tradition
This year marked the fourth installment of this vibrant event, reinforcing its commitment to outreach, connection, and the celebration of International Women’s Day.
