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Celebrating UVA Women

When I think of the work we do at Alumni Hall, it all comes down to people. The strength of the Alumni Association truly is in our community of passionate alumni and students. This year, we’re doing even more to build our community, including reimagining our membership program and giving alumni more opportunities to connect virtually. One of our biggest initiatives in 2020 celebrates a milestone year for UVA alumnae that includes the 50th anniversary of full coeducation.

Jenifer G. Andrasko Sarah Cramer Shields

We are thrilled to be working with partners around the University like the Maxine Platzer Lynn Women’s Center to share stories and spotlight the impact of women at UVA through the launch of Retold, an initiative for UVA alumnae. Women have shaped the University from the moment they arrived on Grounds. I think of Elizabeth Tompkins, one of the first women admitted to graduate schools in 1920 (Law), graduating in 1923; and Virginia Anne Scott, whose suit against the University led to full coeducation in 1970. Or School of Nursing alumnae Mary Jones, Louella Walker and Tori Tucker, who led a recently realized initiative to grant full alumni status to black LPN graduates from the ’50s and ’60s. Those are a few examples out of thousands. 

Retold is for, and about, all of UVA’s female graduates. It’s meant to celebrate our progress, acknowledge our struggles, and inspire sustained dialogue around the unfinished story of UVA alumnae. Keep an eye on your inbox for more details about Retold and ways to get involved, whether it’s sharing your story or attending an event.

Jen Andrasko's signature

Jenifer G. Andrasko (Darden ’10)
President & CEO, UVA Alumni Association


With our eyes on serving…

Alumni Programs

Jessica Hamilton Sarah Cramer Shields

UVA’s history is incomplete without women’s stories. This year UVA will mark the 100th anniversary of a 1920 Board of Visitors resolution allowing white women to enroll in some of UVA’s graduate and professional programs. It’s also the 50th anniversary of full coeducation. The Alumni Association is launching Retold to celebrate the transformational impact of women on the University of Virginia. We will honor trailblazers, past and present, and amplify the voices and achievements of women who make up an ever-expanding, constantly evolving alumnae community. We hope you’ll join us in the months ahead.” 

Jessica Hamilton
Director, Alumni Programs

 

 

Approximately 30,000 women earned graduate degrees, diplomas and certificates at UVA before 1970. Today, women make up a majority of the student population, hold student leadership positions, and make an impact on and beyond Grounds.

450

Number of undergraduate women enrolled in the first fully coeducational entering class in 1970, making up 39 percent of that class 

115,000+

Total number of living alumnae

11,000+

Total number of women currently enrolled at UVA, 53 percent of the current student population