About the Centennial Celebration
of Women at Marquette

In 1909, Marquette University became the first Catholic university in the world to offer coeducation as part of its regular undergraduate program. Since that time, the role of women at Marquette has changed and expanded dramatically, with women now making up more than 50 percent of the student body.

During the 2009-10 school year, Marquette will celebrate the 100th anniversary of this landmark event in the university’s history. A committee of faculty, staff, students and alumni are planning a year’s worth of activities, including an alumnae memory project, guest speakers and lectures, commemorative publications, and faculty, staff, student and alumni events.

The Centennial Celebration of Women Planning Committee is chaired by Rana Altenburg, vice president for public affairs; Donna Farrell, Arts ’70, past president of the Association of Marquette University Women and the National Alumni Board; and Dr. Krista Ratcliffe, professor and chair of the English department.