Exhibit Overview

This exhibit explores select notable women in the university’s history who have made significant contributions to the institution (now Western Oregon University) or to the state of Oregon, or who have made a national impact. The lives of these women spans a timeline of nearly 150 years, and includes both faculty and alumnae.

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A group portrait of the Vespertine Society, 1888. The Vespertine Society was founded by Cassie Stump. 

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Female students gathered in the dining room of Todd Hall, named after Jessica Todd, circa 1940.

Some of these women fought for women’s suffrage, equal pay, and others served in Congress.  Others were the heads of dormitories, started literary organizations, and fundraised for better living facilities on campus. All of these women made a lasting impact in the lives on their colleagues and the students they served.

 

Acknowledgements

This exhibit was compiled and written by Zoe Strickland, English literature major and WOU Archives student employee.

Editing assistance was provided by Jerrie Lee Parpart, WOU Archives Coordinator and Janeanne Rockwell-Kincannon, Reference Services Librarian.

Information regarding Laura Harris was provided by Dr. Kimberly Jensen.