In a small brick building next to Curtiss Hall is what may be the “best-kept secret” on campus.

That’s what Marcia Purdy, secretary at the Margaret Sloss Women’s Center, calls the building she works in.

Built in 1883, what is now known as the Margaret Sloss Women’s Center was then one of only 12 buildings on the ISU campus. At that time, the main function of the building was to house faculty members.

Today it is one of only three faculty homes that still exist on the ever-growing campus.

Having recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, it was not until Sept. 16, 1981, that the home was officially named after Margaret Sloss, the first woman to be admitted to and graduate from the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Sloss has been recognized for her dedication to women and excellence throughout Women’s History Month.

“Women’s History Month provides a place to share our past and celebrate our present while exploring and hoping for a better future for all,” said Penny Rice, Women’s Center coordinator. “We celebrate Women’s History Month to continue to educate and increase the awareness of the successes and challenges experienced by women.”

Providing more than just pamphlets and fliers filled with information, the Margaret Sloss Women’s Center also provides a unique place to escape to while on campus.

“We offer something for everyone,” Rice said. “Information, support, networks and a place to channel your energy, frustration and desire to improve our campus for everyone.”

The center’s doors have been open to a wide variety of people on campus – students, staff, faculty, community members, as well as prospective and former students.

The main floor functions like a home, Rice said. There is a living room, dining room, television room and restroom.

A microwave, dishwasher, oven, and refrigerator are available for public use in the building’s kitchen.

“The kitchen can be used to bake a batch of cookies for your favorite professor or make your roommate a birthday cake,” Rice said.

Students can eat lunch, study, read and watch television or just hang out between classes in the Sloss House. A library containing books and videos is also available.

“There aren’t any counselors here,” said Purdy, senior in women’s studies. “Instead there is always someone to talk to if you need it. It is very nurturing.”

The Women’s Center also reaches out to members of the ISU community that may not stop by the building itself.

The center provides a number of services involving classrooms, greek houses and dorm floors. These activities range from self-esteem presentations to programs dealing with date-rape drugs.

The center collaborates with other offices on and off campus to sponsor a number of events, including Take Back the Night, Week Without Violence, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Women’s Week and Women’s History Month

“Women have for the most part been left out of the history books,” Purdy said.

“They have not necessarily been enhanced or focused on in any other classes such as elementary or high school.”