The Conference on Women in Public Affairs, held at Connecticut College May 16-17, 1935, originated when Dr. Katharine Blunt, then President of Connecticut College, observed the growing societal need for people with public service abilities and the lack of graduates able to preform them. Dr. Blunt sent out letters to women’s colleges in and around New England asking for representatives to attend and speak at the conference. Institutions represented included Barnard, Bennington, Bryn Mawr, Mount Holyoke, Pembroke, Radcliffe, Sarah Lawrence, Simmons, Skidmore, Smith, Vassar, Wellesley, Wells, and Wheaton. In addition, she sent out letters asking professionals in public affairs for their suggestions of what could be done. Some of those who responded were also asked to join the conference.

As a result of this conference, Connecticut College updated its course offerings and hired new faculty to teach. These classes included lessons on current governmental systems, and the history of political parties in the United States. Several faculty organized a club that covered topics such as how to vote, conduct campaigns, and improve the efficiency of governments on multiple levels.

References:

“Better Citizenship,” Folder, Box 1, Conference on Women in Public Affairs Records. Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives, Connecticut College.

College move puts emphasis on public life. (1935, Dec 11). The Washington Post (1923-1954) Retrieved from https://login.peach.conncoll.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/150553507?accountid=10255