Council for IWU Women (CFW) Women's Weekend 2026

Thursday, February 19, 2026

• 6:00 p.m. Council Welcome Dinner. Ann Harding's Home. Registration Required. (Council Members only) Kick off Women's Weekend with a dinner for Council member's at Ann Harding's home.

Friday, February 20, 2026

• All Day. Journeying into the Classroom. IWU Campus. (Council Members only) Council members are invited to join IWU classes to share experiences, offer insights, and engage directly with students. This offers a meaningful way to connect across generations, enrich classroom conversations, and highlight the many paths that shape our shared journey. 
• 9:30 a.m. Faculty & Staff Coffee with the Council. Henning Room, Memorial Center. Stop by for a relaxed, drop-in morning of coffee and conversation with the Council for IWU Women. Chat informally with Council members, faculty, and staff, and explore ways to positively impact students' journeys at IWU.
• 11:00 a.m. Exploring our Evolving Campus. Myers Welcome Center. (Council Members only) Join fellow council members for a guided tour highlighting IWU's newest and recently updated spaces. We'll visit areas of campus not featured in the weekend's events and reconnect with the places that continue to shape students' journeys today. 
• 12:00 p.m. Mentorship Lunch: Walking Together. Joslin Atrium, Memorial Center. Registration Required. This lunch bring students and Council members together for intentional conversation and mentorship. Pair by shared majors and interests, participants will connect over stories, questions, and encouragement as they navigate study, work, and purpose together.
• 1:00-3:00 p.m. Coffee, Cocoa, & Conversation. Joslin Atrium, Memorial Center. Drop in for coffee, tea, or hot cocoa and enjoy relaxed, open-house conversation with students and Council members. Skip the small talk and dive into meaningful dialogue about life, careers, and the journeys that shape us.
• 2:00-4:00 p.m. Informational Interviews. Hart Career Center. Students are paired one-on-one with a Council Woman in their field of interest to ask questions, learn from real-world experience, and build a professional connection. Participants may also schedule a follow-up mock interview at a later date.
• 4:00 p.m. Service Project: Supporting Journeys Everywhere. Turfler Lounge, Memorial Center. Help assemble washable, reusable menstrual pads for the Pads4Girls project, supporting girls' access to education worldwide. Bring a willingness to help - and a sewing machine if you have one - as we turn simple materials into meaningful global impact. 
• 5:30 p.m. Make Your Own Mocktail. Tommy's, Hansen Student Center. Join CFW Member Alex Gohla '09 for a guided mocktail-making session, where you'll explore new flavors, learn simple skills, and craft some signature drinks. A light, fun way to connect and unwind as the official weekend begins.
• 6:30 p.m. Music Bingo with Twin City Trivia. Tommy's, Hansen Student Center. Get ready for a lively game of music bingo hosted by Twin City Trivia! Listen to the music, mark your cards, and sing along or dance if the mood strikes. Snacks, friendly competition, and prizes for the winners make this a night you won't want to miss.
• 8:30 p.m. Wilder House After Hours. Wilder House. (Council Members only) Take a break after a full day of Women's Weekend events and join fellow Council members for a relaxing evening at Wilder House. Bring your own beverage and enjoy casual conversation, laughter, and connection in a cozy, low-key setting.

Saturday, February 21, 2026

• 8:00 a.m. Journey Within: Morning Yoga. Vinyard Room, Memorial Center. Led by Alex Gohla, begin the day with an all-levels morning yoga session focused on movement, breath, and reflection. Through mindful stretching and guided breathing, find grounding and connection as we honor our individual journeys together. Yoga mats will be available on a limited basis.
• 9:30 a.m. CFW Annual Meeting & Breakfast. Joslin Atrium, Memorial Center. (Council Members only) Join fellow Council members for our annual meeting and breakfast as we reflect on where we are after 20 years, review key updates, and discuss how to continue building the community that strengthens and shapes IWU.
• 12:00 p.m. Honoring the Journey: 20th Anniversary Scholarship Luncheon. Young Main Lounge, Memorial Center. Registration Required. Join us for a celebratory luncheon honoring the 20th anniversary of the Council for IWU Women. We will award our annual scholarships and hear from alumnae Demetria Kalodimos '81 and Ally Daskalopoulos '18 as we celebrate 20 years of impact - and the journey ahead.
• 1:45 p.m. Continue the Conversation: Women's Roundtable Conversations. Joslin Atrium, Memorial Center. Join student and Council member co-led discussions on issues women face today. Share experiences, explore challenges, and learn from one another on topics like mentorship, managing finances, leadership, invisible labor, and supporting women across generations.
• 2:50 p.m. The Art of Reflective Listening: A Workshop. Turfler Lounge, Memorial Center. Join CFW member and trainer Cindi Perrine for a a workshop on reflective listening and humble inquiry. Practice curiosity-driven listening, open-ended questions, and reflective responses to build trust, deepen connections, and strengthen relationships in any setting.
• 4:00 p.m. CFW 20th Birthday Celebration. Joslin Atrium, Memorial Center. Celebrate 20 years of the Council for IWU Women as we reflect on connections, stories, and achievements. Honor the women shaping IWU, toast two decades of community and support, and look ahead to the next chapter of this remarkable journey.