On Friday, November 1, 2024, friends, colleagues, and former students gathered in the Petersen Room at the UW Library to celebrate the retirement of Professor Shirley Yee, who has officially become Professor Emeritx. The event, titled "Learning with Shirley J. Yee: A Celebration of Her Storied Career," was a heartfelt tribute to her many contributions to the field of Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies and her profound impact on the department.
The celebration featured a panel of former students who shared their memories of Shirley’s guidance and influence, along with food, festivities, and plenty of laughter. Among the featured speakers were:
- Zakiya R. Adair, GWSS PhD ’10, Associate Professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and African American Studies, The College of New Jersey
- Frank Lin, GWSS BA ’11, Senior Counsel, U.S. Department of Justice; Adjunct Assistant Professor, Georgetown University
- Michelle Morado, GWSS PhD ’23, Full-Time Tenure Track Faculty, Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Seattle Central College
- Amy Peloff, GWSS PhD ’11, Administrative Director, League of Women Voters of Washington; Affiliate Faculty, UW GWSS
The event was a fitting reflection of Professor Yee’s dedication to the department and her legacy as a mentor and educator who has shaped the lives and careers of many. We were grateful for the opportunity to honor Shirley and wish her all the best in this next chapter.
Photos from the event can be accessed via the shared Google folder.