Women's History Month: Women at WPI

These awards, presented by the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Life, recognize women students for their academic excellence, professional goals, and contributions to the WPI community.

Betty Hoskins was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1936. She graduated from Goucher College at the age of nineteen and received a Master's degree in embryology from Amherst College. She earned her doctorate at Texas Women's University.

This film contains, photographs and interviews with alumnae are used to trace the 25 year history of women undergraduate students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute; the alumnae also talk about their experiences as women scientists and engineers in the workplace and their hopes for today's undergraduates.

The WPI Business Women's Club was established in 1955 by female employees at WPI. The club was formed "so that women on the 'Hill' might meet socially five times a year." Beginning in 1971, meetings were scheduled monthly and generally held during the academic year with programs and refreshments. Membership dues were required and typically used "for members of the Club at the time of weddings, retirement, illness, etc." The club also used funds from the Treasury to purchase and donate items to local organizations. In 1977, a sub-committee formed under the name of the Professional Group. Due to disagreements within the Business Women's Club regarding the establishment and role of the sub-committee, the Professional Group separated and operated as an independent club in 1979.

The WPI Faculty Wives Club, also referred to as the WPI Women’s Club, began in 1924. Its stated purpose was to be “an informal social time and afford an opportunity for wider acquaintance among the women connected with the faculty.” Monthly meetings were generally held during the academic year, with programs and refreshments. Husbands and children were included in some of the club’s activities.

The WPI Historical Images collection contains prints, postcards, and digital photos that capture the history of Worcester Polytechnic Institute. These images serve to document changes to the campus landscape and community from the 1860s through the present.