"Self expression not for you but for myself" became a theme in the HUB-Robeson Center's Heritage Hall last night to celebrate Women's History Month.

Emily Armbruster, Undergraduate Student Government Women's Affairs Director and Julie Noblick, Art and
Cultural Affairs Director, along with guest speakers, singers and dance performers, headed the "Women in the Arts Empowerment through Expression."

Last night, about 50 students, faculty and community members came to celebrate women in the arts.

"Tonight we are showcasing a variety of groups on campus and bringing attention to women in art," Armbruster said. "Since March is Women's History Month, it's the perfect month for that."

Using the words of Shakespeare's Polonious in Hamlet, Eliza Pennypacker, professor of landscape and architecture, encouraged the audience to be true to themselves through honesty and integrity in order to be successful and happy in their careers.

"Polonius' creed is 'To thy own self be true.' It pays off," Pennypacker said.

After attending St. John's College in Annapolis, Pennypacker continued her education in landscape art at the University of Virginia. She was advised by a professor to also go into education because at the time, many felt there was a great need for females to be role models.

"I did not want to come to Penn State because [my father] went there and he was boring. I thought it was a boring campus," Pennypacker joked.

She challenged the audience to ask questions, learn and find a career they enjoy.

"I was always the one who raised my hand. I terrorized my teachers. I got everything possible out of my education," Pennypacker said. "If you choose a field that you are passionate about and know you are good at, you will succeed."

The Whiplash Dance Group performed a dance number in trucker hats and bright pink shirts with the soundtrack of Missy Elliot, because the group felt she was influential.

Many students and other student groups also performed at the event.

Allison Shuette shared her story "Carried Away," which was inspired by the Vietnam War. In her piece, Shuette compares the power men have over women to get what they want.

"I am missing in action -- prisoner of war," Shuette said. "I don't wear army fatigues. I've never held a gun. I fight this war everyday -- you do, too."

Shuette said she fights to be beautiful in a culture in which magazine covers prize skinny, pretty women. She said she fights to be accepted, to belong and to develop a style.

Shuette compared her relationships with men at each age to basic training.

"When at age eight, a boy kissed me, and I slugged him," she said.

Shuette then compared the opposite sex to spies and enemies. "Maybe my new language can't change reality, but it can change me," Shuette said. "Language will not be exhausted."

The Penn State Women's Savoir Faire Capella Singing Group performed a mix of songs from female artists, including Melissa's Etheridge's "Come to My Window" and Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful."

Beth Marsteller (senior-business logistics) said she came to the event to support her friends. "It's great there is a forum for women and so many different arts," she said.