1961 freshmen women at Santa Clara
As with many institutions of higher education, Santa Clara began as a male only college. Although Santa Clara’s Italian born Jesuits continued their tradition of male and female separateness in the 19th c., it wasn’t long before women began to break down the barriers at Santa Clara College. Along with jobvacancies, WWII inspired women to advance their education.
While women faculty members have increased over the years, disparities remain: more women than men are non-tenured lectures, while more men than women are tenured faculty and full (professors).The first undergraduate woman at Santa Clara was enrolled 110 years after the college was founded. However, women began breaking the barriers long before 1961. Margaret Chamberlin became the first female faculty member in 1955 as a public speaking instructor. Despite her role as a part time teacher, her presence on campus was met with astonishment as well as enthusiasm. Mrs. Chamberlin, previously a faculty member at San Jose State University, encouraged other women teachers to come to Santa Clara, stating teaching at SCU was “an honor and a challenge, but most of all exciting! Bibliography”]
“Took 104 Years- SCU Has Woman Teacher.” The Santa Clara 22 Sept. 1955, 35 ed.: 3. Print.
McKevitt, S.J., Gerald. “Mixed Company: Women at Santa Clara.”Bannan Institute for Jesuit Education and Christian Values (2001):Print.
http://www.thesantaclara.com/2.14535/action-needed-for-gender-equality-in-faculty-1.1874667
1962 Father Francis Curran talks to co-eds
1961 Freshman women
Denise Carmody First female provost 2000