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Case Western Reserve University Archives

Pioneers: CWRU's First Women

In 1833 Oberlin College became the first American college to grant undergraduate degrees to women. Over 40 years later Western Reserve College granted its first undergraduate degree to a woman. In the meantime, Reserve’s Medical School conferred the second regular American medical degree to a woman in 1852, and also graduated 6 of the first 7 women with regular medical degrees in the country. Case Institute of Technology did not begin regular peacetime admission of women to its undergraduate program until 1960. Clearly, the advancement of women’s education at CWRU has not followed a linear path.

[In 2003 women represented 44% of the Case Western Reserve University student population and 31% of its faculty. One hundred years earlier [In 1903 (?)],  women were 20% of the combined Case School of Applied Science and Western Reserve University student population and 9% of the faculty.] Many factors contributed to reducing obstacles to educational opportunities for women. Not least among these factors were the courage and tenacity of the women who broke each barrier.

This exhibit is to remember and honor the achievements of the individual women who were CWRU’s “firsts” – students, faculty, administrators, and philanthropists. The original exhibit was supported by a grant from the Flora Stone Mather Alumnae Association. The exhibit was revised in November, 2007 and April 2017.

 

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