Before her appearance at Schwab Auditorium last night, Teresa Heinz Kerry held a surprise question-and-answer session at Thomas Building to speak with students about women's issues.

A group of about 100 students gasped in excitement when it was announced that Heinz Kerry would be making a surprise appearance. As she entered the lecture hall, students gave her a standing ovation.

"It's amazing that she took the time to come here and talk to three classes," said Christina Schneider (junior-women's studies). "It shows she has a lot invested in women. That means a lot."

Lorraine Dowler, director of women's studies, said the special appearance was arranged Wednesday afternoon when a member of Heinz Kerry's campaign team called the Office of Women's Studies.

Dowler said she was asked to keep the event as quiet as possible to ensure the security was kept under control.

Speaking about family, women's health and the environment, Heinz Kerry discussed her own experiences as a mother, grandmother and wife, and added that women are to be respected as the "chaos managers of the world."

Heinz Kerry also encouraged women to have a voice in society.

"If I have knowledge about something, I'm jolly well going to say what I think," Heinz Kerry said.

"If I didn't have an opinion, I'd be a dimwit, and nobody would want me there," she said.

Brian Jara, professor of women's studies, said he thought his students were impressed by Heinz Kerry's appearance.

"This is one of those rare, once-in-a-lifetime moments," Java said. "I'm still sort of in shock."

After speaking to the group, Heinz Kerry met students individually and posed for pictures.

Taylor Baker (sophomore-communications) said she was swayed by listening to what Heinz Kerry had to say during her talk in the women's studies class.

"I thought it was incredible. It changed my views on the election," Baker said. "I was going in the other direction, but after listening to her, I'm a fan."