50th Anniversary of Coeducation

50th Anniversary of Coeducation Logo

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 recognize, reflect on and celebrate the impact of Holy Cross women.

overhead picture of Fenwick Hall
Save the date!

A 50th Anniversary of Coeducation Celebration weekend is being planned for April 5-6, 2024.  We look forward to gathering on campus for this special event.

Upcoming Events

Please make plans to join us!

a photo collage of three women running a race
Women on the Run

February 27 - April 30, 2023 | An 8-week Half-Marathon Training Program

This program is open to any student, faculty or staff who identifies as she/they and will help develop and enhance resilience, confidence and perseverance!

Learn more
Black and white photo of Holy Cross women from the 1970s.
Then, Now and Tomorrow: A Faculty Conversation About Women at Holy Cross

March 30, 2023 | 7:00 pm | Zoom Webinar

Hear from three distinguished faculty members about their observations of this anniversary milestone - and what it means for the College moving forward.

Learn more
Group of 8 women dressed in business casual posing for a photo an an event inside.
Lighting the Way Luncheons

April 15, 2023 | 1-3 pm |  Papa Razzi Trattoria, Wellesley, MA
May 6, 2023 | 1-3 pm | Sanzari's New Bridge Inn, New Milford, NJ

The Holy Cross Alumni Association invites the women who helped light the way for future generations to a reunion luncheon for connections and conversation!

Learn more
A color photo of 8 women and one man dressed in Holy Cross crew shirts. They are women are sitting on the grass looking presumably at another camera taking a similar photo.
Who helped light the way for you?

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!

Send us your gratitude

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

  • Group of seven women posing for a photo in the sunshine.
  • Group of 8 women dressed in business casual posing for a photo an an event inside.
  • A large group of women sitting at tables and standing in the back of the room listening to a speaker at an event.
  • Two women posing for a photo in front of a table at an event.
  • Three women with name tags on posing for a picture at an indoor event.
  • A black and white photo from the 60's of students in a lecture hall. While predominantly male, there are about 8 women out of a total of about 31 students

    Holy Cross held its first Coeducation Day was held Dec. 12, 1967, a little less than five years before women enrolled full time.

  • A black and white photo from the 1970s of a group of about 40 women posing with their hands in prayer and some are looking to the sky.

    The women of Hanselman III as pictured in the 1976 Purple Patcher.

  • A color photo of 8 women and one man dressed in Holy Cross crew shirts. They are women are sitting on the grass looking presumably at another camera taking a similar photo.

    The 1975-1976 women's crew team.

  • A color photo of a large group of students (a mix of men and women) outside at a cookout. Some people are assembling their plates with hot dogs and hamburgers and some are in little groups talking.

    Beaven Hall residents enjoy a cookout social in spring 1975.

  • A color photo of 4 women and one man posing got a photo. Three of the women are seend with a plastic cupe of presumably beer in their hands and are smiling at the camera.

    A pre-100 Days Banquet cocktail party in Hanselman.

  • Group of seven women posing for a photo in the sunshine.
  • Group of 8 women dressed in business casual posing for a photo an an event inside.
  • A large group of women sitting at tables and standing in the back of the room listening to a speaker at an event.
  • Two women posing for a photo in front of a table at an event.
  • Three women with name tags on posing for a picture at an indoor event.
  • A black and white photo from the 60's of students in a lecture hall. While predominantly male, there are about 8 women out of a total of about 31 students
  • A black and white photo from the 1970s of a group of about 40 women posing with their hands in prayer and some are looking to the sky.
  • A color photo of 8 women and one man dressed in Holy Cross crew shirts. They are women are sitting on the grass looking presumably at another camera taking a similar photo.
  • A color photo of a large group of students (a mix of men and women) outside at a cookout. Some people are assembling their plates with hot dogs and hamburgers and some are in little groups talking.
  • A color photo of 4 women and one man posing got a photo. Three of the women are seend with a plastic cupe of presumably beer in their hands and are smiling at the camera.