In September 1972, the first women enrolled at the College of the Holy Cross, lighting the way for generations to follow, women who would advance to create lives of personal and professional impact across all vocations across the globe, inspired by the foundation of a Jesuit, Catholic liberal arts education.
Beginning in September 2022 and continuing through May 2024 (the 50th anniversary of the first women graduates), the College will be recognizing, reflecting on and celebrating the impact of Holy Cross women.
Register today for a weekend full of thought-provoking, inspiring and fun events designed to examine the stories and experiences of women at the College throughout the past 50 years.
Lessons and Stories
The Beginnings of Coeducation
Learn about the first years of coeducation at Holy Cross from the members of our community who experienced it. Thanks to the Lighting the Way Together planning committee (women and men from ’74, ’75 and ’76) who conceived of and developed these interviews, panels and programs for the October 27-28, 2023 event.
30 women from the classes of 1974, 1975 and 1976 shared their personal stories and reflections on coeducation at Holy Cross.
Panelists include Suzanne Geaney '76, Ruth Keefe Hingston '76, Theresa McBride, Ph.D. (Professor of History Emerita), Bill McCarthy, '76 (Rear Admiral, USN, Ret.), Frank Vellaccio, Ph.D. (Senior Vice President Emeritus) and Deborah Fulham Winston '74. Moderator: Vickie Langohr, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of the Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies Program.
Audio recordings of Holy Cross community members sharing their memories and perspectives of what it was like to be there "from the beginning.”
Proudly light the way with a 50th Anniversary of Coeducation commemorative t-shirt!
Stories from alumnae who are lighting the way for others today. Through their service, professional and personal pursuits, these women are living the Holy Cross mission and leaving a lasting impact on the lives of others. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many more.
Share your memories!
Join in the celebration by sharing your favorite memories of your time on Mount St. James. Email us at coeducation@holycross.edu
When you reflect upon your time at Holy Cross, is there someone special you would like to thank? Here's a chance to share a note for the person who inspired you most—and we'll pass the message along!
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Holy Cross held its first Coeducation Day was held Dec. 12, 1967, a little less than five years before women enrolled full time.
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The women of Hanselman III as pictured in the 1976 Purple Patcher.
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The 1975-1976 women's crew team.
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Beaven Hall residents enjoy a cookout social in spring 1975.
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A pre-100 Days Banquet cocktail party in Hanselman.
Learn More
| And Thus Entered Women: The Beginnings of Co-Education at Holy Cross from 1967-1976 Online exhibit, Holy Cross Archives and Distinctive Collections |
Inside the Early Years of Coeducation at the College of the Holy Cross Holy Cross Magazine, Fall 2022 |
| Coeducation at Holy Cross | Celebrating 50 Years of Title IX |
| Interactive timeline Holy Cross Archives and Distinctive Collections |
Holy Cross to Retire 5 Women’s Basketball Jerseys |
| Lighting the Way: 50 Years of Women at Holy Cross Office of the President |
Holy Cross Celebrates Coeducation Anniversary with Women of Faith Speaker Series |