Columbian Women
From GWUEncyc
Article
In 1894, a fire at Ford’s Theater took the life of the father of Mary Chapin, one of the original thirteen women to attend Columbian University (it became The George Washington University in 1904). So that she could continue her education, the women students, under the guidance of Professor Charles Munroe, formed a group called “Columbian Women,” and raised money for Mary to finish her studies. Membership was open to women students, alumnae, and wives of faculty, trustees, and officers of the University.
The major aims of the organization are the advancement of women at the University and the promotion of the interests of their alma mater. The major portion of Columbian Women’s activities is the support of its Scholarship Fund for women students. The first fund was established in 1897 and since then hundreds of young women have been helped through this Fund. Three first ladies of the United States have been interested in the scholarship program - Mrs. Calvin Coolidge, Mrs. Herbert Hoover, and Mrs. Harry Truman. Mrs. Truman entertained Columbian Women members at a White House tea while her husband was in office. Over the years, the organization has also given generous gifts to the University itself, including the hospital, Women’s Athletics, and the University Library.
Many distinguished women have been members, among them novelists Dorothy Betts Marvin (wife of former GW President Cloyd Heck Marvin), Mary Roberts Rinehart, Margaret Truman, Judge Sarah T. Hughes (who administered the oath of office to President Lyndon Johnson after President John F. Kennedy’s death), aviatrix Jackie Cochran, and former GW alumnus and Director of the U.S. Mint, Eva Adams.
The following is part of a Hatchet article from 1927:
The following sketch in honor of Miss Louise C. Connolly, one of the founders of Columbian Women, who died last July, was read by Miss Hazelton at the opening meeting of the organization, held October 4, 1927, in the Trustees’ Room in Corcoran Hall:
The organization of the Columbian Women was the beginning of a new era both for the University and for women students, to whom the Columbian College, Corcoran Scientific and Medical Schools had opened their doors. Previous to this time personal contact of pupils in one school with those in another was the exception rather than the rule, but the organization of a general society to which all the University women were eligible, and which had for one of its aims the advancement of women both outside and within collegiate circles, drew them closer, in common cause, led to a broader outlook, new and valuable friendships and inaugurated a social plane that heretofore had not existed.
With the second object for which The Columbian Women was founded that of promotion of the interests of the University, was born a new relation with their Alma Mater. Time has welded closer this relationship, each necessary to the other and each appreciative of the precious bond. The years, full of accomplishment, have proven the integrity of purpose which actuates our women in their valuable service.
Miss Connolly was a Washingtonian by birth and received her education in both private and public schools, graduating from Wilson Normal in 1879 and later from the Corcoran Scientific School of Columbian, now George Washington University.
For ten years she taught in the Barret, Force and Dennison Schools, was transferred to Business High School as teacher of English, and finally, in 1906, resigned to become Assistant Superintendent of Schools at Newark, N. J.
For two years she was Superintendent of Schools at Summit, N. J. and later returning to Newark, she held the office of Educational Expert for the Newark Public Library, one of the duties of her office being that of lecturer at the Metropolitan Museum of Fine Arts in New York, as well as the Library Association.
She was also interested in the political world and aided in the advancement of women through women’s societies. Her stories were published by magazines and just prior to her death she had finished a novel, a story of Washington life of perhaps 50 years ago, which is now being made ready for publication by the MacMillian Publishing Company.
Miss Connolly was a splendid organizer, a fine teacher and disciplinarian, and was held in high esteem by all who knew her. While her membership in The Columbian Women lapsed after she took up her residence in other cities, the members of our organization may well feel a pride and ownership in one to whom their society is indebted for its being, and where it possible for Miss Connolly to know of the wonderful expansion and enthusiastic efforts of those who have adhered so conscientiously to her ideals she would feel that her dreams for the University had more than come true.
Document Information
Images: 1
Photographic Credit: University Relations Photo Collection
Author or Source: GW Magazine, Fall 1994: Columbian Women collections/RG0027[1]; Hatchet, Oct. 19, 1927
Document Location: University Archives
Date Added to Encyclopedia: December 21, 2006
Prepared by: Lyle Slovick, Assistant University Archivist
For more information about GW history
Contact:
Special Collections Research Center [2]
The Melvin Gelman Library [3]
The George Washington University [4]
2130 H Street, NW Suite 704
Washington, DC 20052
202-994-7549
mailto:archives@gwu.edu
Please send us your questions and comments about the encyclopedia.
This site is maintained by the Special Collections Research Center and the Web Development Group.
