The University of Winnipeg will host the inaugural Dr. Charlene Thacker Memorial Community Lecture on Monday, October 19, featuring Dr. Angela Stanley.
Dr. Stanley’s research explores the intersections of race and culture, queerness, and disability. Her lecture will examine the continuing influence of eugenics; the discredited belief that humanity can be improved through selective reproduction; and why challenging its legacy remains essential to disability justice, gender equity, and social justice.
“I am grateful to be able to share my work with the community as we honour the memory of Dr. Thacker and show the need for continued support for future feminist scholarship at UWinnipeg,” shared Dr. Stanley.
Event details
Monday, October 19, 2026
4:00–5:30 p.m.
3C00, Third Floor, Centennial Hall, UWinnipeg
Honouring Dr. Charlene Thacker
The lecture series was established in memory of Dr. Charlene Thacker (1940–2025), a longtime faculty member in UWinnipeg’s Department of Sociology and a dedicated supporter of the former Women’s Studies Programme, now the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies.
Dr. Charlene Thacker
Dr. Thacker’s teaching, research, mentorship, and advocacy reflected her deep commitment to feminist scholarship, disability advocacy, and community engagement. Her work included research on older women returning to university and disability issues, informed by both her scholarship and lived experience.
“Charlene was a mentor and friend”, said Dr. Pauline Greenhill, Dr. Thacker’s former colleague and Professor in Women’s and Gender Studies. “I’ll always remember her kindness, her sense of fun, and her interest in truly welcoming all to the study of gender, women, and disability issues. I’m thrilled that we now have this lecture to celebrate her life and her many accomplishments.”
The annual lecture will bring academic research, advocacy, and community knowledge together to encourage public dialogue on feminism, social justice, gender equity, disability, and other important issues.
Supporting the next generation of feminist scholars
The lecture was made possible through a generous gift from Dr. Raymond Currie in support of “The First” Women’s and Gender Studies Postdoctoral Fellowship at The University of Winnipeg Foundation.
The Postdoctoral Fellowship is expected to launch by 2030. The 24-month fellowship will bring emerging feminist scholars to UWinnipeg to conduct and publish research, mentor students, contribute to teaching, and deliver the Dr. Charlene Thacker Memorial Community Lecture. Its emphasis on intersectionality will support research examining how gender, race, class, Indigeneity, and disability shape experiences of privilege and marginalization.
“The postdoctoral fellowship will assist PhD graduates in Women’s and Gender Studies and Disabilities Studies to expand and enhance their teaching while bringing new feminist perspectives to the department and to the feminist community in Winnipeg,” shared Dr. Sharanpal Ruprai, Chair of Women’s and Gender Studies. “In a sector where we are seeing Women’s and Gender Studies and Disabilities Studies programs shut down; it is vital that these types of endowments are created and supported so we can continue feminist scholarship and help shape intersectional feminist communities.”
For more information, contact Dr. Ruprai, Chair of Women’s and Gender Studies, at s.ruprai@uwinnipeg.ca.
