The Decision To Admit Women
At St. Edward's University
St. Edward's University wasn't always coeducational.
The women of Maryhill College lived in separate spheres from the Holy Cross College and faced challenges, bias and criticism to build the coeducational system of today.
Admission of Women
In 1885, St. Edward's was an all-boys Catholic school called Holy Cross College. In the first efforts to become coordinate, there was a separate college for women called Maryhill College that would share the campus and facilities. Later, the two colleges combined to become St. Edward's University. The transition to becoming coeducational and making space for women, especially at a time when higher education wasn't as accessible to women, was not an easy one. Admission of women to the school began in 1966, but it wasn't fully coeducational until 1970. This is a walkthrough of historical events detailing life on campus for women and their initial integration into St. Edward's University.
Education for Women in the United States
Over the years, there were ups and downs in women’s access to higher education across the United States. In 1890 only 35% of women had access to higher education.
In the early 20th century, there was a 12% increase in women having access to higher education. This is significant progress towards the right to education for all.
In the late 20th century, women’s access to higher education had dropped by 11%. This is largely due to societal views of gender norms for women at the time.
Educational institutions did not value educating women nearly as much as men. Ivy League schools and Roman Catholic men’s institutions were particularly unwilling to admit women to their schools.
Women to Invade All-Male School
Historical Context Timeline from Maryhill to St. Edward's
September, 16th, 1966
Women's Branch of St. Edward's: Maryhill College
Women register for fall semester classes in the dining hall.
Early 1960s
In the face of Adversary and Criticism
There were early negative attitudes towards women attending St. Edward's University. Some male faculty even expressed that segregated classrooms would be best because integrating women in the school would "cramp some professors' style." However, there were also some early positive attitudes that supported women attending St. Edward's University. The Student Activities Council Vice President stated that "women would improve our student government" because their ideas are "imaginative and original" in a different way than men's. A St. Edward's University sophomore also supported women attending the university, stating that students "are not getting a complete education in an all-male atmosphere." He also said that women's voices in classrooms would allow for new perspectives.
April, 28th, 1967
Striving for Progress
Sister Marie Andre and Sister Kevin Kenny attend the University of Texas Summer Scholarship conference where they workshop problems surrounding the philosophy of higher education. The knowledge gained from these classes and workshops helped prepare the Sisters to establish the school we know and love today.
September, 6th, 1968
Fight for Integration
Women were not readily accepted when Maryhill College and Holy Cross College combined to create St. Edward's University, the coeducational institution we know it as today. In fact, it took 4 years of dedication to establish their image and place within the university after the initial decision to admit women. The integration of women into the school was an uphill battle for acceptance, one that was ultimately won.
A St. Edward's student named Penny Garland is listed as an editor for the school newspaper
1960s
Language Lab
Picture of Maryhill women in the Language Lab. The provided technology was an auditory learning tool that helped students learn different languages.
1971
Integrated and Involved
Women have finally been fully integrated into the school's community which will continue to grow and flourish over the years.
1976
Fear of Fringe
A student admits he is a male chauvinist and demeans women and queer people on the school newspaper. With more people fighting for women's liberation and queer acceptance during this time, the changing times and activism in the now coeducational institution started bringing in new ideas, perspectives, and people to the school. This was a stark contrast from the cultural and religious origins of the university as well as the type of people the school catered to, who were cisgendered, straight (mostly white) Catholic men, but then the population of the school started becoming more varied after the decision was made to admit women. Rapid change mixed with a lack of understanding of change can lead to spreading judgement and hatred.
1976
Powerful Response to Hate
Newsletter author Melissa Sinclair Stevens points out some of the problematic and extreme statements that were made in the previous newsletter. She conveys how ridiculous it is that body hair on women is looked at as unfeminine even though it is a natural and normal part of being human. She also points out that the previous author's interpretation of being male and female is underdeveloped and superficial because he does not look past physical appearances and stereotypes. Identity, personal preferences, and the decisions one makes are solely up to each individual.
The true spirit of St. Edward's University: Being yourself and accepting others for their differences
Changing Times
Between 1962 and 1965, the Second Vatican Council (Roman Catholic Ecumenical Council) gave women more roles and opportunities in which they could serve God through teaching and nursing. These were educated women in leadership roles. During this time, more and more students favored the idea of coeducation as mindsets were nationally changing and shifting towards modernity.
Influential Women
These are the Sisters of the IHM (Immaculate Heart of Mary) who played an essential role in the integration of women as students and staff members into St. Edward's University. Their legacy has left a positive lasting impact on our school and on its students and staff members for many generations after their time. Without their contributions, St. Edward's University wouldn't be the same as it is today.
Sister Mary Mercy Geohegan
Dean of Women Students & Chair of the Behavioral and Social Sciences Division
She led the school's Criminal Justice program and was a Director of Residence for East Hall in addition to overseeing the Council on Student Life and the Committee on Student Publications. Sister Geoghan supported the founding of Maryhill, then continued to teach after the school merged with St. Edward's University until 1972.
Sister Marie Andre
Leader of the Bilingual-Bicultural Teacher Training Program
She was the leader of the bilingual-bicultural teacher training program and American Studies programs as well as the coordinator for the language laboratory and Teacher Education Council. Here, she is helping out a student in a Moody Hall classroom.
Sister Ann Virginia
Director & Dean of Maryhill College and Assistant Professor of Education
She also had responsibilities on the Administrative Council, the Budget Committee, and the Academic Council. In an interview with all the IHM Sisters, when asked what is the objective in teaching women, Sister Ann Virginia stated, "Today we have come to recognize that women are not women first; they are persons ... and that it is the young woman as a person that we wish to educate so that her life will be lived to the fullest."
Sister Grace Mary Olfs
Associate Dean of Students for Advisor Services & Member of the Maryhill Admissions Board
In 1966, she was one of the initial five IHM Sisters missioned to Maryhill College, which later became part of St. Edward University. She served as an instructor of mathematics and counselor for East Hall as well as a member of the Teacher Education Council, the Library Committee, and the Maryhill Admissions Board. Sister Olfs then later became Associate Dean of Students which she served as for five years.
Sister Mary Kevin Kennedy
Director of Admissions
She was one of the 5 sisters of the IHM who was in charge of running Maryhill College. In addition to her three years at Maryhill, she taught History at St. Edward’s University for 10 years and directed student teaching and certification.
Women Join the Community
Women slowly became part of the community over the years and participated in sporting events, extra-curricular activities, and on-campus events in addition to attending classes. The following are photos of the beginnings of a gender equality legacy they left, impacting the lives of future students positively.
Joining the Community
Integration At The Hilltop: Making Herstory
Women receiving a higher education at St. Edward's University and being valued members of the school's community
1966
Powder Puff Game
In the United States, powder puffs are football games that include flag football or touch football games between girls from junior and senior classes or cross-town school rivals.
1967
Maryhill College Band
This is the first appearance of the St. Edward's University and Maryhill College Band, directed by Brother Edwin Reggio, C.S.C.
1967
School Spirit
St. Edward's University and Maryhill College Cheerleaders
1967 - 1968
Maryhill College Freshman Officers
From left to right: Penny Garland, Andre Shaw, Cathy Frank, & Rita Carpenter. Penny Garland became an editor for the school newspaper
1967 - 1968
St. Edward's University & Maryhill College Choral Group
The male and female students of St. Edward's University sing in a choir group together.
Paving the Path
Women now make up about 62% of the university's population
St. Edward's community is better together. We acknowledge the courage and bravery of the women and staff that helped pave the pathway for students today. We will continue to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of women in our past, present, and future.
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