“Women’s History Month reminds us how far we’ve come and how far we need to go,” said Dr. Lucy Hobbs, as portrayed by Benco Dental Database Publishing Production Specialist Jenn Ochman.

She should know, as Lucy Hobbs was denied entrance to dental school in 1861 solely based on her gender.

Dr. Hobbs was one of nearly 40 women and men throughout history who were brought to life by students, faculty and community members on March 16 and 17 in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Helen Keller, Alice Paul, Coco Chanel, Frida Kahlo, Amelia Earhart, and H.B. Blackwell, among other notables, took up posts at several populated areas of the Marywood University campus for its inaugural “Women’s History is Alive” program, initiated by Dr. Samantha Christiansen.

The Director of Women’s Studies and Assistant Professor of History at the University, Dr. Christiansen spearheaded the project to celebrate Women’s History Month, as part of a related course.

“It’s actually a really interesting mix, because so many students were selecting their own characters,” said Dr. Christiansen.

“We would like to celebrate the wonderful community partnership between Benco Dental and Marywood Women’s Studies that has come together in this event. As a long time community business, Benco dental supports women through the Lucy Hobbs Project and we are delighted to share this with students and the broader community,” she added.

Dr. Christiansen references the initiative powered by Benco Dental, created to empower women in dentistry to drive change and deliver success through networking, innovation and giving back.

 

Learn more about “Women’s History Alive”: https://marywood-womens-history-is-alive.weebly.com/

Sign up to be a member of The Lucy Hobbs Project, visit: https://thelucyhobbsproject.com/

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WBRE- TV’s Eric Deabill interviews the Director of Women’s Studies, Dr. Samantha Christiansen, about the two-day interactive celebration at Marywood University March 16 and 17. She is representing Rokeya Begum, an Indian author in the science fiction genre known for “Sultana’s Dream.” Shown, at left, are Maureen Hart and Jenn Ochman, respectively, portraying Maria Mayo Scott, and Dr. Lucy Hobbs, the first female to earn a dental degree in the U.S. The Lucy Hobbs Project, powered by Benco Dental, supports women in dentistry nationwide.