Human Sexuality PhD Program commemorating its 10-year anniversary at CIIS campus.
Campus News

Celebrating a Decade of Impact

The CIIS Human Sexuality Department Marks 10 Years.

July 19, 2025

On April 26, 2025, the CIIS Human Sexuality Department held a joyful celebration in Namaste Hall, marking ten years since the launch of its groundbreaking Ph.D. program. This Decennial Party served as the closing event of a yearlong commemoration honoring the department’s bold vision, hard-won milestones, and vibrant community.

The evening opened with heartfelt remarks by Department Chair Dr. Michelle Marzullo, CIIS President Dr. Brock Blomberg, and Provost Dr. Kathy Littles. Each speaker reflected on the department’s evolution, its impact within the CIIS community, and the importance of continuing to champion sexuality studies in a time of cultural and political transformation.

Programs like ours don’t just appear and thrive without intention. They exist because of committed scholars, students, and advocates who refuse to let critical inquiry and care-based research be silenced.
Michelle Marzullo, Chair and Professor, Human Sexuality

In her remarks, Dr. Marzullo reflected on the origins of the program, originally conceived by anthropologist Gilbert Herdt and brought to CIIS with the support of then-President Judie Wexler. She acknowledged the program’s perseverance through a decade marked by cultural shifts and political challenges. “Programs like ours don’t just appear and thrive without intention,” Marzullo shared. “They exist because of committed scholars, students, and advocates who refuse to let critical inquiry and care-based research be silenced.”

Guests were treated to an array of engaging offerings: gourmet hors d'oeuvres, interactive entertainment by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and a beautifully curated artwalk titled Lenses on Family Diversity. A student poster display featured dissertation projects from across the years, giving attendees an opportunity to explore the depth, diversity, and originality of research produced by doctoral students in the program.

The evening also marked the continued growth of the department, including the recent launch of the Master of Science in Critical Sexuality Studies. With a focus on sex counseling, SexTech, and public health analysis, the new program supports the department’s mission to train thoughtful, justice-oriented leaders in the field. Notably, inaugural M.S. students will receive a tuition discount as part of the department’s commitment to making sexuality studies more accessible.

As guests mingled, took photobooth snapshots, and contributed notes to a commemorative guestbook, the atmosphere was filled with both gratitude for the past and excitement for the future. Swag bags—including a custom decennial coffee mug—offered attendees a joyful keepsake from this meaningful night.

More than just a celebration, the Decennial Party was a powerful affirmation of the importance of critical sexuality scholarship and a testament to the department’s continued dedication to education, advocacy, and integral human flourishing.

Here’s to another decade of courageous scholarship, community building, and transformative change.

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