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 because coeducational.
Sisters
With a national ride in Catholic higher education, the Mother Provincial of the Sisters of Mercy, Mother Mary Matthew Doyle, arranged for the Dominican Fathers at Providence College to teach summer courses to a small group of sisters. In 1926, nice Sisters of Mercy, along with two Sisters of the Dominican Order, received their Bachelor’s degree from Providence College.
Mother Mary Matthew Doyle (1870-1960) served as the first Mother Provincial for the Sisters of Mercy in Providence and the first President of Salve Regina University.
Summer School of Sacred Theology
In 1948, the Summer School of Sacred Theology for Sisters was formalized by the Very Reverend Robert J. Slavin, O.P. the President of Providence College. The mission of the program was “to deepen the sister’s knowledge of the revealed truth and to enable them to instill into their students a better knowledge of things divine and human.”
“The course in theology at this time has great value in helping us to meet the present need. In our classrooms today, we have boys and girls who no longer in simplicity promptly accept what is taught. They question so much because they are surrounded with materialism and worldliness.”
Class reflection by Sister Mary Bartholomew Hines, S.M. and Sister M. Frances Kearns, S.M., “Why Theology for Women?”
Veridames
In 1942, several women’s auxiliary groups joined together to form the Veridames, with Regina McPhillips as president and Rev. Edward McDermott as moderator. The group focused on social events to raise funds for scholarships and campus improvements such as a new library. The Veridames quickly grew to over 100 members in the first year. The group made steady and lasting impacts on Providence College but ultimately dissolved in 2000 as membership declined.
“This is just a message to express my deepest gratitude to the Veridames Society…. You have lightened a financial burden which I otherwise would not have been able to withstand.”
– 1963 scholarship recipient
Junior Veridames
The younger members of the Veridames came together to host dances and other social events on campus and around Providence for both PC students and servicemen.
Spring Fashion Show
The annual spring luncheon and fashion show was the main fundraising event of the year for the Veridames. Sponsored by Gladding’s department store for many years, the event was held each year of the club’s existence.
Concerts
The Veridames hosted fundraising concerts featuring a variety acts, from the famous Boys Town Choir to joint concerts by the Providence College and Salve Regina University Glee Clubs. Concerts were held at venues all over Providence.
Item Set: Paving the Way
Next: Making the Decision