On Tuesday evening in Stubbs Hall, Gloria Anzaldua was the topic of discussion.

Diana Bowen, a visiting assistant professor of communication at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, presented “Voices from the Archive: Women of Color, Civic Engagement and the Politics of Archival Research” as part of the ULM Traveling Scholar series.

Bowen’s presentation explored Anzaldua’s life and career. Anzaldua was an American scholar and poet who was internationally recognized for her works on cultural theory, feminist theory and queer theory.

Elizabeth Stephens, a senior Spanish major, said “Bowen’s speech was very interesting to me.”

“She brought to light the things the author talked about in her books and really allowed us to see into the life of the author,” Stephens said.

Bowen went on to discuss borders and how borders are more than just geographical. There are also sociological, language and personal borders.

Stephens said she was interested in learning about Anzaldua’s work and life.

Bowen used Diana Taylor’s theoretical concepts to suggest that entries in Anzaldua’s birth certificate allow readers to see the document in context of belonging in the United States.

Abbie Massey, a senior Spanish major, said Bowen’s speech was mind-opening.

“My Spanish class had the privilege of having Bowen as a guest speaker on the day before her presentation,” Massey said. “I really love how passionate Bowen is about her research.”

Massey said after her Spanish class, she knew she wanted to attend.

Bowen’s research investigates the physical and psychological borderlands, a term Anzaldua used to describe spaces of social, political and cultural struggle.

Bowen is also exploring archival research with Anzadula’s collection.

Aside from studying Anzaldua’s work, Bowen is also interested in issues surrounding social movements, intercultural dialogue, public memory and visual rhetoric.