Breaking barriers: Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver Suite opens doors for women in communication

Rowan University continued its commitment to fostering gender equity and empowering women in communication with the spring opening of the Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver Advancement of Women in Communication Suite, made possible by the generosity of esteemed alumna Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver '62.

The suite, housed within the Center for the Advancement of Women in Communication in the Ric Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts, serves as a gathering space for promoting inclusivity and supporting advancements for women working in all fields of communication, both in academia and in industry. The space offers multiple workspaces, large seating areas and a lounge.

Under the leadership of Center Director Julie Haynes, the center will provide students and the community with access to renowned guest speakers, bootcamps, podcasts, seminars, workshops and more.

"This space represents a gathering spot for those committed to gender equity and will benefit countless students as they learn and grow here at Rowan," said Haynes.

The addition of an intentional space on campus for women to network and thrive will be beneficial for students like Kariyah Bennett, a 2022 Journalism and Radio/TV/Film graduate and current student in the M.A. in Television Studies program.

"As women in communication, we face challenges breaking into the industry," said Bennett. "If I can make a difference by showing a little girl like myself that it is possible to be successful in the field, collectively we can show younger generations what's possible through hard work, drive and determination and pave the way for future success."

The location of the new center also holds historical significance, as Bozorth Hall once served as a demonstration center for education majors. The space now symbolizes progress and opportunity for future communicators.

Strategically situated across from the home of The Whit, Rowan's student newsroom, the center's creation marks a full-circle moment that honors Kopenhaver's legacy as a medallion-winning journalism major while affirming the University's commitment to nurturing aspiring communicators.

Edelman CCCA Dean Sanford Tweedie is excited about the opportunities to come for students.

"This space provides a place to do, a place to be and a place to become for students," Tweedie said.

"We thank Dr. Kopenhaver for continuing to make a difference for Rowan students and alumni," added Rowan President Ali Houshmand. "This center creates a place for women to feel safe and have conversations to make contacts, to create and to start businesses."

In 2012, Kopenhaver established the Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver Center for Alumni Engagement at the University, and, in 2019, the Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver Career Resource Library within Rowan's Office of Career Advancement. The new suite is the first satellite center and continues to demonstrate Kopenhaver's generosity and commitment to her alma mater.

Kopenhaver's Florida center, located at Florida International University, celebrated its 10-year anniversary this year and serves as a beacon of hope for a more inclusive future.

"My hope is to leave a legacy with the work of the Kopenhaver Center and its affiliate centers, like Rowan, to help future generations of communicators be prepared to shatter any ceilings that may be holding them back, and to empower young women professionals in all of the fields of communication to become the visionaries and leaders of tomorrow," Kopenhaver said.

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