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Brave and Bold Vandal Women

Series: Exhibits

Now on display at the U of I Library 2nd floor: Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho history!

Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History
Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History
Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History
Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History
Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History
Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History

This exhibit continues the celebration of the U of I Women Center’s 50th anniversary as well as Title IX’s anniversary. It’s purpose is to showcase some of the women who have left their mark on the University. Some of these outstanding women have been honored with building dedications, colleges, and scholarships. This exhibit offers a starting point to explore women’s diverse experiences at the University of Idaho. This post will briefly touch on three women included in the display.

Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History
Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History
Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History
Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History
Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History
Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History
Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History
Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History
Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History
Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History
Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History
Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History

In 1899, Jennie Hughes was the first African American student to graduate from the university. In a winning oration, she said: “Few of us may hope to become what the world calls great; our words and deeds may not direct the affairs of state, … but our influence may be felt.”

Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History
Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History

Jean Collette became head of dramatics in 1933. It was a position she would hold at the university for 30 years, having an impact on the theatre arts program that is still seen today. After her passing in 1976, a contemporary remarked, “Someone once said, ‘To teach is to inspire.’ Ah, yes! There you have it! And that was Jean Collette. And yes, she did inspire me…”

Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History
Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History

And finally, Elisabeth Zinser was the university’s 14th president and the first woman to serve. At the ceremony inaugurating her into the position she said, “Only when we embrace our diversity, indeed celebrate it, will all our cultures and all our regions unite to make one Idaho as strong as it can be.”

Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History
Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History

Reflecting on their achievements, are there people in your own life who have inspired you? How would you hope to inspire? Let us know on the interactive piece in the exhibit, “Who Are The Brave and Bold Women in Your Life?”

Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History
Brave and Bold Women in University of Idaho History

This exhibit was created with the assistance of KT Turner, a graduate student in the History Department. Want to see other related items? Contact U of I Library Special Collections and Archives.

Sources

Associated Women Students records, UG 58, 1927-1968, University of Idaho Library Special Collections and Archives, Moscow, ID.

University of Idaho President’s Office records, UG 12, 1893-1965, University of Idaho Library Special Collections and Archives, Moscow, ID.

Jennie E. Hughes Medal Oration, MG 5758, 15 April 1898, University of Idaho Library Special Collections and Archives, Moscow, ID.

Registrar’s Office records, MA 2000-29, 1899-1900, University of Idaho Library Special Collections and Archives, Moscow, ID.

University of Idaho Library Administration records, UG 50, 1905-1990, University of Idaho Library Special Collections and Archives, Moscow, ID.

University of Idaho Vertical File - Campus Life and Culture, VF UI Culture, 1889-2012, University of Idaho Library Special Collections and Archives, Moscow, ID.

University of Idaho Theatre Archive.

Gem of the Mountains photograph collection, PG 101, 1948-1968, University of Idaho Library Special Collections and Archives, Moscow, ID.

Margaret Ritchie papers, MG 211, 1895-1983, University of Idaho Library Special Collections and Archives, Moscow, ID.

School of Family and Consumer Sciences records, UG 55, 1890-2001, University of Idaho Library Special Collections and Archives, Moscow, ID.

University of Idaho Vertical File - Athletics, VF UI Athletics, 1894-2012, University of Idaho Library Special Collections and Archives, Moscow, ID.

Leo Ames papers, UG 73, 1967-1994, University of Idaho Library Special Collections and Archives, Moscow, ID.

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