Some of the most prominent speakers on the seven panels are: Massachusetts Supreme Court Associate Justice and former Harvard Vice President and General Counsel Margaret H. Marshall; Bryn Mawr College President Nancy Vickers; Professor of Biology Colleen M. Cavanaugh; Kenan Professor of English Marjorie Garber; and Professor of Government and of Sociology Theda Skocpol.
Students Nicole A. Barry '98, Crystal A. Redd '98 and Tadjedin will also participate in the panels.
Lewis and Assistant Dean of the College Karen E. Avery '87 invited a short list of student leaders to attend the panels, but panel tickets are available to all students in limited quantities.
"It's good to notice the progress that's been made, for undergraduates to notice the history of women at Harvard," said Radcliffe President Linda S. Wilson, who will be a science panel member at the celebration.
"[Students] tend to focus on the present and not the mountains that have been climbed to get here," she said. "This is a milestone for both Harvard and Radcliffe and a chance to concentrate on all the changes that have happened."
Avery encouraged students-both male and female-to take advantage of the panels as a time to meet alumna and forge connections.
"That's why it's so important that the booklets are being distributed to all students," Avery said. "That's part of heightening awareness."
Panel discussion topics will be determined by individual moderators, but Avery said all panelists will share aspects of their lives and careers inextricably linked with gender.
"It's a bit of both really," she said. "[Panel members] will speak about their lives, and their careers as professionals, but they will speak with women's voices. As a result, women's concerns will definitely play a role [in discussions]."
Avery called the celebration a "Kickoff" for a fall season of events that will bring women leaders to the Yard. Marshall is set to return and address students in Sever Hall Oct. 12, and Avery said similar events are in the process of being organized