Sandra Dawson with a group of graduate students and mentor Eileen Boris at the Western Association of Women Historians in 2002. Courtesy of April Haynes
This is a group photo of women’s historians from UCSB at the WAWH meeting in 2002; Sandra is second from left with arguably the most radiant smile amongst us.
This is the Sandra I remember. She exuded a calm, positive presence and had an amazing gift for making people feel welcome and at ease. Around the time this photo was taken, a few of us early grad students were uncomfortable with public speaking. When the time came for us to deliver our first conference papers, we organized a group called “The Nervous Nellies” so that we could practice on each other. Sandra brought her characteristic kindness, patience, and consideration to all our meetings. It was a mutual aid group without hierarchy or “stars.” We all grew in confidence together. The experience bonded us, and we addressed each other as “Nelly” (with a wink) for years afterward. Sandra modeled an egalitarian sense of mutual aid. She was an amazing community builder, even then. I will always remember her with respect and affection.
April Haynes
