Women's History Month

WHM-web.jpg

St. Philip's College is celebrating Women's History Month (WHM) beginning March 1, 2025. The 2025 WHM schedule features events for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community. The programs and events strive to motivate, inspire, and enlighten the SPC community in honor of National Women's History Month.

About Women's History Month

Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982, as “Women’s History Week.” Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields. [https://womenshistorymonth.gov/]

The National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) proudly established March as National Women’s History Month, ensuring diverse women’s voices and contributions are recognized and celebrated. Since 1980, when NWHA (then the National Women’s History Project) successfully advocated for the recognition of Women’s History Week, we have been amplifying the stories of all women who shaped history. In 1981, Congress passed a resolution officially establishing the week, with President Jimmy Carter issuing a proclamation. By 1987, NWHA’s continued efforts led Congress to expand the recognition to the entire month of March, creating the National Women’s History Month we honor today. [https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/]

Women's History Month Kickoff Video

Women's History Month Events

Empowering Women Through Education: The Founding of Vassar College

Date: March 18, 2025
Time: 11:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M.
Location: Turbon Student Center (TSC), 216

Description: Vassar College, founded in 1861, was the first college for women in the United States. Its goal was to provide women with a rigorous academic curriculum equivalent to what was offered at men's colleges. This lecture will explore the establishment of Vassar College through the work of its founder, Matthew Vassar, and his ardent supporter, Sarah Josepha Hale, the editor of Godey's Ladies Book. Together, they helped to legitimize the idea of higher education for women in a time when such notions were controversial.

Women's History Month-Long Activities

Historical Women of SPC

WHM25-sm.jpg