
Women of Dartmouth
The history of women at Dartmouth is surprisingly very recent as the College only began to admit female students in the fall of 1972. In the 46 years since, women have become a defining aspect of the Dartmouth community. Here are three of my favourite things about being a woman at Dartmouth.
- No. 1
Our Academic Programs
In 2016, our engineering school made history by graduating a class that was 52% female. This beat out the national average by 33% and is an oustanding feat for a College who, 44 years earlier, didn't even have any female students. Dartmouth's liberal arts program allows students to discover their academic interests by encouraging them to explore a plethora of feilds. Every day, I am inspired by the incredible female faculty at Dartmouth, many who are leaders in feilds that are often categorized as male dominant.
Another incredible opportunity at Dartmouth is taking a class in our Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies department. It is fascinating to learn about gender equality, not only on our campus, but nationally and internationally.
- No. 2
Women of Dartmouth Alumni Network
After you graduate, your connection to your female peers does not end. "Women of Dartmouth" is a program run by the alumni office that encourages connection and collaboration between alumnae. There are nine geographical "communities," eight throughout the United States and one abroad in London. These groups host monthly events and act as a way for Dartmouth's alumnae to connect professionally and personally.
Because of my internship at the alumni office (see my last blog post for more info!), I was actually able to attend the Women of Dartmouth Upper Valley Club's one-year anniversary party. The Decibelles, Dartmouth's oldest all-female acapella group, even performed at the event! I was blown away by the number of outstanding women who attended Dartmouth and still live in the Hanover area. I was inspired by their dedication to not only to the College, but to the female students and even further, female empowerment in higher education.
While I love being a student at Dartmouth, programs like Women of Dartmouth make me even more excited to be an alumnae.
- No. 3
Sororities
While Greek life at Dartmouth is not mandatory, it has provided me with an incredible network of women on campus and around the world. My decision to rush was motivated by a want to meet more women on Dartmouth's campus. What I discovered was that through my Greek organization, I was introduced to empowered women not only at Dartmouth, but internationally. My older sisters on campus have tutored me, driven me to appointments, helped me pack for break and most importantly, provided endless love and support.
One of the most inspiring things for me, is seeing sororities on campus come together to raise awareness for specific events and causes. This summer, Greek houses across campus are taking part in the annual Prouty, a multi-day bike, run and walk that raises money for our local hospital's cancer centre.