A Century to Celebrate
Radcliffe College, 1879-1979
Beginning one hundred years ago as an exciting and
unique experiment through which women could
obtain a Harvard education separately from men,
Radcliffe College now provides the avenue by
which women are admitted to the undergraduate
body of Harvard University. Evolving into an institution that acts both as advocate for women in the
University and as promoter of the higher education
of women through innovative programs, Radcliffe
looks forward to its second century.
A Century to Celebrate: Radcliffe College,
1879-1979 is a survey having 240 illustrationsphotographs, cartoons, and documents  gathered
mainly from the Radcliffe and Harvard archives.
Organized topically, the text examines the beginning of Radcliffe College in the Society for the
Collegiate Instruction of Women, known as the
"Harvard Annex"; the Radcliffe-Harvard relationship; academic and extracurricular life; the impact
of world events on the College, students, and alumnae; the role of alumnae; and Radcliffe's role as
innovator. Quotations from students, alumnae,
faculty, and administrators appear throughout.
Here well told in picture and text, is the story of
Radcliffe's first hundred years. It is a tribute to no
founder, or single figure, or major donor, but to a
company of countless women and men of vision,
faith, and generosity One shares their hopes and
frustrations, their excitement and accomplishments in the effort to make available to young
women not a "man's education" but the best possible education for the human spirit.
Bernice Brown Cronkhite
Formerly Dean of the College, Dean of the
Radcliffe Graduate School, Vice President of
Radcliffe College
Dorothy Howells's selection of photographs and
her narrative provide for every alumna a nostalgic
record, and for all readers an illuminating account
of Radcliffe's success in gaining for women access
to a Harvard education. The historical perspective
revealed by this engaging book gives great promise
for Radcliffe's future as she continues to promote


the higher education of women.
Susan Storey Lyman
Chairman, Radcliffe Board of Trustees; formerly
Acting Director of the Radcliffe Institute