Artist’s projection of Graham before construction
March 22nd 1961, Santa Clara University became one of the first California Jesuit colleges to admit women students, breaking the previous 110-year tradition of an all male college. The decision was made primarily to financially stabilize the university. As a coed school, Santa Clara University experienced an exponential selectivity and enrollment increase. The first residence for women students after their admittance in 1961 was the Park Lanai Apartments, which were soon renamed Villa Maria.
Memorable move-in experience as the first women students were forced to move in before the construction of Graham was finished
Two years later, Graham Residence Hall was dedicated as the first gated residence built specifically for women. The hall was named after Charles H. Graham, whose family were generous benefactors. The dormitory complex consisted of four two-story buildings meant to accommodate 264 women, and each building had a unique name dedicated to significant female figures and regents: Mae Swig, Paloma O’Neil, Vera Strub, and Marian Hancock.
Two female students studying diligently in Graham hall
The four buildings were grouped around a garden and pool where social activities took place. Eventually the residence hall was made co-ed, and the pool was buried and imposed curfew ended. Entertainers performed at Pipestage, located in the basement of Graham 100, including performances by noteworthy musicians and comedians.
Additional Information:
http://www.scu.edu/archives/exhibits/women/
http://www.scu.edu/scm/fall2011/graham-hall.cfm
http://www.scu.edu/archives/exhibits/women/exhibit.cfm?page=8
http://www.scu.edu/alumni/50/rules.cfm