Earlier this winter, three Douglass students represented the Rutgers Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) Undergraduate Department at the National Women’s Studies Association (NWSA) Annual Conference in Puerto Rico.

“Attending the NWSA in Puerto Rico was one of the most memorable moments of my life,” said Max Mendez DRC’26, a Douglass senior. “Before starting college, I was not aware that Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies was an academic field, and now as a senior, I got to represent the WGSS Rutgers undergraduate department.”

For aspiring physicians Keya Thakkar DRC’27 and Sarah Farah DRC’26, achieving health equity for postpartum people goes beyond the hospital, research lab, and waiting room. Through their research project, Mamas and Melodies, the two Douglass students are bringing an interdisciplinary approach to expanding access to innovative therapies for those who experience postpartum depression.  

The Estelle Lebowitz and Ann Beneduce-Lebowitz Artist-in-Residence program brings a distinguished artist to campus for a year to present a solo exhibition of their artwork, give artist talks, and collaborate with Douglass students on hands-on creative projects and workshops. The program was endowed in 1999 by Professor Joel Lebowitz, Director of the Center for Mathematical Sciences Research and George William Hill Professor of Mathematics and Physics at Rutgers University, in honor of his late wives—artist Estelle Lebowitz and author and editor Ann Beneduce-Lebowitz. 

A Visual Arts major who specializes in illustration and drawing, Danielle Cole’s DRC’27 love of art and passion for the Douglass community have contributed to fostering a lively and creative arts culture at Douglass.

During her time at Douglass, Danielle has been involved in a number of arts programs. As a first-year student, she worked with the Estelle Lebowitz and Ann Beneduce-Lebowitz Artist-in-Residence program under visual artist Amina Ross. She’s also been a member of the Global Village Africana House. Both programs have celebrated her creativity and perspective as a young artist and scholar.

Lily Barber DRC'28, a history major and student artist at Douglass, examined the intersection of photography, textile arts, and archival work through her piece, Douglass Ghosts. The photo book is an exploration and tribute to the history of Douglass campus, the intergenerational ties of our community, and its effect on current students’ sense of place and home here on campus.

This is absolutely my favorite time of year. There’s a palpable sense of possibility in the air–it’s a new beginning for those of you joining us for the first time, and a return home for those coming back to the distinctive mix of routine and discovery that college life brings. And, as a lifelong Jersey Shore resident, I’ll admit I also love this season because it’s “local summer,” when the beaches are at their quietest and best.