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SMWC celebrates Black History Month with several campus events

News | 02.02.2023

In celebration of Black History Month, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) will sponsor events to recognize the achievements and contributions Black Americans have made, and continue to make, to the economic, cultural, spiritual and political development of the United States.

Dr. Janie Myers – Wednesday, February 8 at 1 p.m. in Hayes Auditorium

Dr. Janie Myers

Dr. Janie Myers demonstrates transformational leadership that has a meaningful impact on students, patients, the medical profession and the community. As a result, her leadership and perseverance reflect the depth and breadth of a sustained commitment to empower women. She is a highly sought-after presenter at medical conferences and workshops. When she encounters the challenges of cultural and structural barriers, she persists as a steadfast trailblazer, who inspires women to make stellar contributions in medicine. 

Myers is the only fellowship-trained laparoscopic general surgeon in Terre Haute, who is robotically trained.  She has started two robotic surgery programs. She is board-certified in General Surgery by the American Board of Osteopathic Surgery (ACOS).  In 2020, Myers was elected as Vigo County Coroner. With this win, she made local history as the first African American woman elected to a countywide office in Vigo County. In 2021, she launched Myers Surgical Associates, LLC. Among many honors, she was recently named one of the 2022 Women in Business and featured in Terre Haute Living Magazine. 

Janie Myers, DO, DFACOS, FACS, received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, and completed her medical training at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She moved on to her residency in General Surgery at Loyola University Medical Center and finished at Midwestern University/ St. James Hospital (now Franciscan St. James Health), both in Chicago, IL. She completed her FHS Advanced Laparoscopy Fellowship at St. Joseph Hospital in Tacoma, WA.

Dee Reed, associate vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion at SMWC, is excited to have Myers on campus. Dr. Myers will be at SMWC on February 8 at 1 p.m. in Hayes Auditorium in Hulman Hall. 

Racial Wealth and Income Gap Workshop – Wednesday, February 15 at 7 p.m. via Zoom
Presented by Network: Advocates for Justice Inspired by Catholic Sisters
(Virtual event)

The Racial Wealth and Income Gap Experience is a virtual, interactive workshop that provides data about how our nation’s policies contribute to the wealth gap between Black and White households. This eye-opening workshop explains 12 key federal policies and practices implemented throughout United States history that led to the intentional divestment of the Black community and provided the institutional structure for what many see today as systemic racism and privilege.

The virtual event will take place on February 15 at 7 p.m. on Zoom.

Eems

Eems – Tuesday, February 21 at 8 p.m. in the Conservatory of Music
Sponsored by Student Activities Committee and Black Student Association

Blending styles together from hip-hop, alternative and pop, Singer, Songwriter, Rapper, Pianist and Looper, Eems has become known for his versatile mashups and covers. Often playfully referred to as the “black guy with the ukulele”, Eems has used his unique sounds, voice and sense of humor to take audiences across the country by storm.

Eems will be welcomed to campus on February 21 at 8 p.m. for a performance in the Cecilian Auditorium of the Conservatory of Music.