Women have always played important roles to advance the mission and development of Providence College, and many others participated in educational experiences long before the campus officially became coeducational. This set includes images and historical documents from the Summer School of Sacred Theology for Sisters and the women’s auxiliary group, the Veridames.
Prior to 1971, issues related to coeducation came up many times. From the rules governing dorm visitations, known as parietals, to planning social events with both coeducational and women’s only schools, the logistics around these became part of the discussion as Providence College considered coeducation. This set is comprised of materials documenting the college’s decision making process regarding coeducation.
On September 13, 1971, Providence College welcomed 339 women, 287 freshmen and 52 transfers, to their first day of class. This set includes highlights from this first class of women, from Fall 1971 through graduation in Spring 1975.
From that first coeducational class, women have held leadership roles, dominated their sports, and created new spaces for themselves and future women at PC. This set includes materials highlighting women’s sports and clubs.
Providence College employed women as administrators, staff, and educators long before admitting them as full-time students. This set is comprised of images and documents highlighting just some of the women who have served as staff and faculty at Providence College.
