women

Ellen B. Thompson Pyle, who studied illustration at the Drexel Institute from 1895-99, is the subject of a new exhibition at the Delaware Art Museum.  "Illustrating Her World: Ellen B. T. Pyle," is on view until January 3, 2010. Can't make it to Wilmington for the show? Check out the exhibition catalogue in the University Archives.

by Robin Elliot

In the early twentieth century Drexel participated in training for nurses. At that time nursing was primarily a female profession. There were Nurses Training Schools throughout the country, including Philadelphia. Drexel began offering new scientific classes for nurses which would supplement their regular training. Drexel did not intend to simply offer scientific courses; instead they wanted to help the student be an all around better nurse. The curriculum would therefore include English Language and Literature to ensure proper writing skills. They would also take classes in Vocal Expression. Students in the nursing program would have access to public lectures and the library from Drexel. It is unclear if this program was implemented at Drexel at this time.

by Robin Elliot

The Sarah van Rensselaer Dormitory was the home of female students at Drexel for many decades. In promotional pamphlets Drexel accentuated the educational and social aspects of college life for female students. There were three main tracks for undergraduate female students, Business Administration, Home Economics and Engineering. The Women’s Student Government Association was a crucial part of student life because of its direct connection to dormitory life. Students were required to live in the dorms if they did not have parents or an aunt or uncle who could house them while at Drexel.
Dorm rooms were similar to dorm rooms today. However more furniture was provided by Drexel than is usual for college students today. Drexel students had beds, mattresses, lamps, rugs, glass curtains and other furniture in their rooms when they arrived. Students were told to bring towels, sheets, and blankets, similar to today’s students. The rooms had hot and cold running water, but bathrooms and showers were available on each hall.

by Robin Elliot

Ardenia Chapman wrote a memorandum to the Council of Deans on the place of women in higher education in 1960. It is a very enlightening look at how one woman viewed the position of women in society prior to the second wave of feminism in the 1960’s and 1970’s. She linked the uncertainty over the status of women in general society with the debate on how women should be educated above the high school level. Chapman wrote that Drexel had always seen women as having three primary functions in society “the role of a thinking individual; the role of a homemaker and citizen, and a wage-earning role.” Chapman stated that Drexel educated women for all three functions and that these were not contrary roles to that of men in society. She also wrote that any differences that did exist between men and women were decreasing. One recommendation that Chapman made was to have a public meeting on Drexel’s role in society. The purpose was to show how Drexel had historically helped women’s education. It was specifically stated that the speakers should be anyone, regardless of gender, who is an expert and could reliably speak about their views. The meeting’s purpose was to support the idea of women as citizens and that every citizen needed to have an education.

by Robin Elliot
During the 1950's Drexel continued to offer female students the opportunity to receive a degree in the College of Business Administration. The curriculum for the College of Business Administration was varied and included different types of administrative work for women. Kenneth Matheson, Jr., was the Dean of the College and was responsible for the program and facilities.