Celebrating 50 Years of Women at Stevens
A Special Message from Susan Metz, Executive Director of Diversity and Inclusion
In late 1970, the Stevens Board of Trustees approved the admission of women undergraduates to Stevens, and in the fall of 1971 nineteen courageous, excited, and probably anxious trailblazing women stepped onto campus to begin their studies and paved the way for many others to follow. Fifty years later the power of women at Stevens resonates throughout our community in every way. In 2021, Stevens is home to 1,100 women undergraduates – almost 30% of the undergraduate population. Women have thrived at Stevens as influential student leaders, outstanding athletes, accomplished scholars, strong contributors to student organizations, and classroom interactions. It’s hard to imagine the campus community any other way.
After graduation, Stevens women continue to make their mark nationally and internationally, in academia, government, industry, and service to the university at the highest levels. Beginning this month, designated as women’s history month, and continuing throughout 2021 Stevens plans to recognize this anniversary with stories and events celebrating this transformational milestone.
Kicking off our celebration is the launch of the women at Stevens website, which showcases stories of women at Stevens, a timeline of key moments and events taking place across the university. The website commemorates this historic occasion and provides an opportunity to share stories from the past, present, and into the future.
Susan Susan Metz
Executive Director of Diversity & Inclusion
Meet the Women of the Class of 1975
September 1971 marked the beginning of a new era for Stevens as women were officially admitted into the school’s undergraduate program. Out of a class of 387, 19 women composed the inaugural group— a “long overdue and necessary experiment for the Institute,” according to an article in the Stevens Indicator the previous year. They were vanguard, the first women to overcome the societal barriers that until then limited their opportunities for educational advancement. We invite you to learn more about the extraordinary women who rose to the challenges of their time, ultimately paving the way for the generations of Stevens women to follow.
Through the Years
Timeline of Women at Stevens
Women have long made an impact at Stevens Institute of Technology, even before the university welcomed its first undergraduate class of women 50 years ago. In this historical timeline, learn more about the impactful contributions women have made to the Stevens community.
Making Their Mark
Our alumni include New York's first woman to receive a New York City Master Electrician's license, the first person to be designated as Maryland's biotechnology industry representative, and many other pioneers. For more than 50 years, Stevens women have profoundly influenced our world, and continue to lead in a wide range of fields. Read on to discover some of the many inspiring Stevens women who have made their mark on history.
Five Decades of Trailblazers
Sponsored by the Lore-El Center for Women’s Leadership, Development & Alumni Engagement and the Samuel C. Williams Library’s Archives & Special Collections, the event invited five alumnae representing each of the last five decades to reflect on their experiences at Stevens and discuss insights from their careers and personal lives since graduation.
Support Women at Stevens
To celebrate the achievements of Stevens alumnae, we invite you to support one of our priorities such as scholarships, athletics, and or the Lore-El Center for Women’s Leadership which will provide opportunities for the next generations of Stevens women.
In Her Own Words
In Her Own Words: Voices from Castle Point
Images courtesy the Samuel C. Williams Library Archives & Special Collections