Tuesday, April 29, 2014

The Smithereens @ Smith College

Learn More About Smith College Here!

"Founded in 1945 as the Albright Quartet, the Smithereens are proud to be the fourth oldest all-female a cappella group in the country, and to continue the tradition of making music at Smith College. We perform traditional and popular songs in the Pioneer Valley and at other New England schools. Our members come from all class years and academic backgrounds, with majors ranging from Neuroscience to German."
 
Continue reading here!

Monday, April 28, 2014

College isn't about the boys: Why women's colleges still matter

Charlsie Niemiec graduated from Hollins University, a women’s college, in 2010 with a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing.

I came across a blog post she wrote in 2011 and wanted to share it on my blog. The title of her blog post is, “College isn't about the boys: Why women's colleges still matter” and I’m sure you'll enjoy reading it. I know I did.


Read Charlsie’s blog post here.

If you would like to learn more about Charlsie’s Alma mater, visit the college Web site here.

As an FYI, Charlsie is employed by a really cool company, Babiators as their Marketing & Social Media Manager (Babiators is a leading children's retail brand).

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Monday, April 21, 2014

Pets on Campus

Would you like to take your pet to college?

Several women’s colleges enable you to do so.

Here’s one such college, Saint Mary’s College. This women’s college is the only college in the region that allows seniors to have their pets on campus. Learn more about the opportunity here or view photos here.

"About Saint Mary’s College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, women’s institution offering five bachelor’s degrees and more than 30 major areas of study. Saint Mary’s College has six nationally accredited academic programs: social work, art, music, teacher education, chemistry and nursing. Saint Mary's College ranks among the top 100 “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” for 2012 published by U.S.News and World Report. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary’s is a pioneer in the education of women, and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross."

Friday, April 18, 2014

Her College Story: A Unique Experience

By Khoobi Gangdev
Douglass Residential College
Class of 2014
Major: Marketing

 
Attending a women’s college is a unique experience. It molds you into a completely different person, because you are surrounded by such strong and supportive women! As I rush headlong towards graduation, I can’t help but reflect on the huge role that Douglass Residential College has played in my four years at Rutgers University.

As an international student, I am no stranger to homesickness. Home for me is another continent and another time zone. However, at Douglass, I found a community of supportive women who were open to everything I had to say. Believe it or not, my closest friend, who is also my roommate, is also a Douglass woman.

As a Douglass student, I am required to take a class called Knowledge and Power: Issue’s in Women’s Leadership. Before I attended the class, I never had the chance to critically think about issues that affect women in everyday life. The discussions in the class made me think back about my experiences with things like cat-calling and street harassment, and put them into a completely different perspective. As a mentor for the same class for two consecutive semesters now, I have had the chance to mentor about twenty women each semester. Just by listening, I have learned so much from each one of these women.

Douglass has a lot of traditions, which all of us, current students and alumnae, are very proud. One of my favorite traditions is Sacred Path. Each year, Sacred Path celebrates the moving up of classes with an elaborate ceremony, where each class year is given a charm that represents the year that has passed. Once a Douglass woman, always a Douglass woman.

My favorite experience at Douglass, hands down, was my internship with the Social Media and Communications Team. The internship taught me so much in a span of year. I learned about how it is possible to work independently while working in a team. I also gained valuable skills such as Social Media Marketing, Analytics for Social Media Platforms; and coming up with engaging content. These skills are going to be a great help to me as I step out into the world.

I came to Douglass because it was an all-women’s college, and that made my parents a little less worried about me attending college. But I fell in love with the beautiful campus, the old historical buildings, its traditions, and staggering number of opportunities it gives its students to succeed in life.


                                            © 2014 - Khoobi Gangdev

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Women’s College Students Have All the Fun!

Earlier in the month, on the Hollins University campus, Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies Renee Godard's Field Vertebrate Zoology class pitched in to help remove trash and algae from Oyster Pond.


Friday, April 11, 2014

Her College Story: "Clicking" with a Women's College

Kathleen "Kit" Kazmier
Moore College of Art & Design
Class of 2016
Illustration major with a Graphic Design minor

Something about Moore just stood out among the others, something about it just ‘clicked’ with me, the idea of attending Moore seemed so natural. I feel part of a close knit community and it feels just as much as a family as it does a school. I love the idea of smaller classes, allowing professors to get to know you on a more personal level. With that I feel as if they can better understand you as a student and as a developing artist. This environment has helped me grow more in my first year of college than I could ever have hoped for. I feel safe here, and I know that everyone is looking after one another and working together to grow together as artists.

There are certain aspects of Moore that definitely make it stand out amongst the rest of the art schools in Philly. Probably the most prominent being the fact that it is an all-women’s college, and this is something that I did not see very much of when I first started looking at schools. This wasn’t the main reason for deciding to go to Moore, but it was certainly a plus that I did not truly learn the benefits of it until I spent some time here. Being in a class room filled with fellow girls is a completely different experience; there is a stronger sense of connection and communication between us. We all know the struggles that we are going to face as women in the art field, and since it is an all girl’s school; Moore has the opportunity to focus on those issues that will help us get ahead once we graduate. Not only does the school look out for us, but we look out for one another as well. As a student who lives on campus, I frequently leave the building, day and night. We take care of one another, walk with each other, and make sure we’re back when we said we would be. It’s the little things that make you feel secure. We are all just so casual with one another, in and out of class. We are all women, and feel like we can talk openly about anything to one another. And I have come to notice that sometimes during class, it’ll dawn on me that there are no men around. You forget sometimes, because it just feels so normal. We are not only there because we are women, we are there because we are artists, and that is what matters.

There are so many aspects to look at when deciding on your education, but Moore seemed like an obvious choice to me. Moore is located heart of Philadelphia, yet almost tucked away from the overwhelming feeling of being in a ‘big city’ by being so close to the museum district. Anyone can tell that Moore is passionate about its role as an all women’s’ art college. They focus on everyone in hopes that they all will achieve their dream, and I feel confident that they will help me achieve mine.


It is hard to choose favorite classes, but my Digital Painting course at the moment really stands out. Before this year, I had never used a tablet before, and I had dreaded the idea of any digital course. But I absolutely love all of it. It is challenging yet amazing what can be created digitally. It has completely opened my eyes to the possibilities of art.


I am proud to be considered part of ELA (Emerging Leaders in the Arts), it has changed me already and I know it will continue to do so. I do hope to become part of other activities and organizations during my sophomore year, but that will have to wait for now.


As for the fact that I am attending a school in Philadelphia, who wouldn’t want to spend their time in one of the oldest and most historic cities around? There is art on every corner of every street. There are new cultures to see and taste. And there is just so much to do and experience here that one can never get bored.

                                               © 2014 -
Kathleen "Kit" Kazmier

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Top 5 Reasons to Attend a Women’s College

Gianna Sen-Gupta wrote an article, “Top 5 Reasons to Attend a Women’s College.” Her article was published earlier this week on NerdWallet.

The first reason
Gianna lists for attending a women’s college is: 

Women dominate science and engineering majors
“According to the National Science Foundation, roughly the same number of women earn bachelor’s degrees in the sciences as men, yet men account for over 80% of engineering majors. At all-female colleges, young women are leaders in technical fields and are unimpeded by the social pressures of a male-dominated environment.”


If you would like to learn about the other reasons she lists, continue reading
Gianna's blog post.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Horsewomen Attend Women’s Colleges

Congratulations to the Salem College Equestrian Team, who was selected for the Best Sportsmanship Award for Zone 5 Region 4 from the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association!


Monday, April 7, 2014

Answering the Question, Why a Women's College

Spring has sprung at Agnes Scott College in Decator, GA, just outside of Atlanta. Check out the college by reading their "At A Glance" page or watch the video below. Discover Why a Women's College here.



Friday, April 4, 2014

10 Reasons I Love Lady College

Maya posted a blog post that identifies 10 reasons she loves attending a women’s college. Here’s her first reason:

"Gender doesn’t decide who talks in class. In high school, I used to feel like either teachers would only call on boys, or that girls just weren’t supposed to speak as much as boys. No matter how confident I felt about the material, there would always be that guy sitting next to me shouting out the answer like that was his sole purpose in life, which would just make me feel like I shouldn’t bother saying anything at all. In a women’s college this never happens. Women own the whole space, and so when people talk in class, there’s no chance that their gender will be used to keep them from taking part."

If you would like to learn the other 9 reasons, continue reading here.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Her College Story: Why Ashley is a Katie

By Ashley de los Reyes
St. Catherine University
Class of 2015
English and Theology Major

 

My name is Ashley.  I’m a Katie.

I never thought I would be.  Attending a local women’s university was not something I was even remotely interested in while in high school.  I was positive I wanted to go to one of the co-ed state colleges my classmates were applying to.  The thought of spending my undergraduate years at a school founded, maintained, and attended by women didn’t sound very appealing—at first.

While still a junior in high school, I toured St. Catherine University for the first time.  I remember that the grass was green, the birds were chirping, and the students were polite and friendly.  I thought the campus was beautiful, but I still wasn’t totally convinced this was the school for me.

And then I heard the story of our founder, Mother Antonia McHugh.  Her stubbornness, visionary leadership, and confidence stunned me.  If the idea of equally educating women not only to lead but to influence came from the very woman who founded our university, this was definitely the place for me!  St. Kate’s has been home ever since.

Three years ago I made the choice to receive my education from a women’s university.  Today, I am nothing but grateful for the opportunities I’ve gotten while here.  I’ve gotten to learn in an environment that is designed for women.  I’ve been able to get involved with on-campus clubs and work with other women leaders.  I’ve made friendships with my classmates that will last a lifetime. 

Among all of these, the best gift I’ve gotten is confidence: the confidence to know that hard works does indeed pay off, the confidence that women are excellent leaders, and the confidence that, because we are women, it is inevitable that we will influence this world for the better.


                                      © 2014 - Ashley de los Reyes

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

What this Women’s College Student is Doing to Prevent Bullying: We Stop Hate



Today I’ll share with you yet another amazing college for women student story. Meet this Barnard College student, Emily-Anne Rigal from the class of 2016.

Emily-Anne is the Founder of We Stop Hate. Her organization is all about "raising self-esteem in teens (teen-esteem) through various social media platforms that engage teens to help each other gain confidence."

Learn more about her amazing story by watching the video or visiting the We Stop Hate Web site.

In a recent Huffington Post blog post, I blogged about a Barnard alumna, Ebonie Smith, and her commitment to helping women break into a male dominated profession; music production. In this blog post I included a powerful statement from Barnard College, "Barnard women change the world and the way we think about it." Emily-Anne is another example. If changing the world is on your to-do list, you might want to consider Barnard College. To learn more about Barnard College, visit the college Web site.

Monday, March 31, 2014

The Women’s College Experience

 “ . . . the women’s college experience isn’t about isolating yourself from men as much as it is about really working on female relationships and women-based communities– something I think we could use a lot more of in this society. Young women today are encouraged to completely tear apart other girls. We’re told we must compare ourselves to other girls constantly and compete with them – the effects of which are none too healthy. But at a women’s college, that sense of competition is slowly stripped away. Female friendships are more authentic and we’re free to be ourselves and explore who we really are, the effects of which last a lifetime, even when we’re back in a co-ed world. As for the sexuality point, my sexuality did not factor into my decision to attend a women’s college in any way (nor did it for any of my friends here, as far as I know). I attend school with women who are straight, gay, bisexual and undecided. But I’m pretty sure that’s the case at any college in this country.”

Continue reading Julie’s blog post here.

Friday, March 28, 2014

Attending a Women’s College Won’t Hinder Your Dating Life

Randi C. Heathman is an independent educational consultant and assists equestrian students find their right-fit college. Her consulting practice is named The Equestrian College Advisor and is based in southern Michigan. Ms. Heathman is the only practicing independent educational consultant who has both enrollment and intercollegiate equestrian program experience. She works with students from all over the United States.

In a recent blog post she explains why attending a women’s college won’t hinder your dating life (and I totally agree).


Read Ms. Heathman's  blog post here or learn more about her college advising services here.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Expert Advice From a Women's College Alumna About Seeking a Career In Marine Biology

If you're thinking about a career as a marine biologist, I think you'll enjoy my Huffington Post blog post from last week, "Expert Advice From a Women's College Alumna About Seeking a Career In Marine Biology."

I spoke with Dr. Naomi Rose and she offered expert advice for selecting a major.

Dr. Rose received her Ph.D. in biology from the University of California at Santa Cruz where she studied the social dynamics of wild orcas. For the past 20 years, Dr. Rose has been advocating on behalf of marine mammals; she is currently a marine mammal scientist for the Animal Welfare Institute.Dr. Rose graduated from Mount Holyoke College (MHC), a highly selective liberal arts college for women in South Hadley, Massachusetts.

Read my blog post here.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Her College Story: A Family Tradition - Wesleyan College

By Auburn Davidson
Wesleyan College
Class of 2017
Double Major: Psychology and Neuroscience

Growing up, I spent hours pouring over my mom’s Wesleyan College yearbooks.  Looking at all the traditions, sisterhood, and best friends excited me more and more as I got older.  When it came time to apply to colleges, Wesleyan was my first choice, although I was hesitant about the lack of boys.  But, my mother and grandmother having gone there, it just made sense. 

From my first contact with my admissions counselor to now, finishing up my first year, Wesleyan has completely captured my heart…and I hardly notice the lack of boys. 

You can ask almost anyone I know, I have changed in remarkable ways since entering Wesleyan.  I am more confident, more intelligent, and happier than I ever have been.  The diversity of backgrounds of the women who have become my sisters has opened my eyes to many different ways of thinking.  I am a much better advocate for myself, and I don’t find myself constantly wondering if I look good enough. 

After I accepted my scholarship, people joked with me that I was going there so I wouldn’t be distracted by guys, and I thought it was funny, but now, I see that it is completely true.  I actually pay attention in classes instead of wondering if the football player two seats over thinks I’m cute.  I truly believe that if I had not come to a women’s college, I would be self-conscious and caught up in the same drama I had in high school.

However, because I am at Wesleyan, the First for Women, I am a much stronger, happier, and healthier woman.  If I could go back and tell senior-in-high-school me anything, it would be to get ready, because Wesleyan and all of the strong women that come along with it are going to rock your world!


                                        © 2014 - Auburn Davidson

Monday, March 24, 2014

Women's College Happy - Pharrell Style

Here's a GREAT video to get your week off to a Great start! Bennett College is Happy! Enjoy!

Bennett College is an all-women historically black college and is located in Greensboro, NC. To learn more about the college, visit their Web site.

Friday, March 21, 2014

Waiting for Your College Acceptance Letter . . . Flashback to1933

This is the time of year colleges send out their acceptance letters. Here's a vintage video, "A Freshman Comes to Smith College (1933)" that I know you will enjoy.


To learn more about Smith College, visit the college Web site.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Check Out Yet Another Excellent Women’s College

This March 11, 2014 newspaper article, written by Christine Fonville, is about a 125-year old women’s college: Agnes Scott College. In Christine’s article, “GREAT SCOTT 125 year old college still a leader in women’s education" you’ll also discover how the college was named.

For young college-bound women looking to travel abroad, you’ll be happy to learn: “Plans for future “Scotties” include a four-year leadership development process and increasing the percentage of students who travel abroad from 50 to 100 percent.”


Continue reading here.

From Wikipedia: “Agnes Scott College is a private liberal arts college in downtown Decatur, Georgia. The college was founded in 1889 as Decatur Female Seminary by Presbyterian minister Frank H. Gaines.” 


Motto: Educating women to think deeply, live honorably and engage the intellectual and social challenges of their times. Also on this Web page you can see an impressive list of notable alumnae as well as where movies were filmed.

To learn more about this women's college, visit the Web site of Agnes Scott College.

Monday, March 17, 2014

Happy St. Patrick's Day from Converse College


Converse College has a Writing Center and today they are celebrating St. Patrick's Day. It’s a great place to hang out as well as have your papers edited/revised. Employers today are always interested in hiring individuals with solid writing skills and women’s colleges, like Converse, go the extra mile for ensuring their students do!

Converse College is a liberal arts women's college in Spartanburg, South Carolina and was founded in 1889.

Check out their undergraduate programs here.

You can learn more about Converse College here or schedule a visit here.


Friday, March 14, 2014

What's In A Women's College?

Rachel Hennessy, before graduating from a women’s college, Scripps College, in 2013 with a BA in American Studies and a minor in Fine Arts, wrote an insightful article, “What's In A Women's College?” for Forbes Magazine.

I’ve included the highlights below and encourage you to read the entire article.

Article Highlights:

"By attending a women’s college, females are driven to tackle traditionally male-dominated areas in academics and clubs. The argument that these female students are living in a competition-free oasis that does not represent the “real world” undermines the fact women certainly have one another to compete with! Choosing to attend a women’s school is the opposite of “comfortable” because it challenges students to step outside of gender norms and engage in new leadership roles." . . .

"A women’s college is not a place where students “hide out to collectively agonize” over gender issues. It’s a place where students encourage one another to be educated about feminist history. It’s a place where students dare to defy gender norms. It’s a place where students come to engage in leadership roles that they may not otherwise have had access to."


Continue reading here.

Currently, Rachel is an Editorial Assistant at Good Housekeeping Magazine.

To learn more about
Scripps College, visit the college Web site.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Women's Colleges Provide Empowering Learning Environments

The biggest advantage (and often overlooked) of attending a women's college is the empowering learning environment. This is so important to consider when researching colleges.

Today, I'm sharing an insightful article written by a 2010 graduate of a women’s college, Abbey Stone: "Why Women's Colleges Still Matter, and Attending Barnard Was the Best Decision I Ever Made."

Article highlights:


"I attended Barnard College, the women’s college affiliated with Columbia University, from 2006-2010. And during that time, I learned to trust my instincts, value my intelligence and refuse to be silenced. Before Sheryl Sandberg coined the term “lean in” in her 2010 TED Talk (and reiterated its importance in her commencement address to Barnard’s class of 2011) my friends and fellow students were living it. I was surrounded not only by thousands of challenging, engaging, and inspiring peers, but also by powerful women leaders (65 percent of Barnard’s faculty is female, compared with 38 percent of college faculty nationally). It was impossible not to feel empowered."

Continue reading here.

To learn more about Barnard College, visit their Web site.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Her College Story: Women’s Colleges are Dedicated to You

By Michelle Niewald
Stephens College
Class of 2014
Integrated Marketing Major


As a high school student, I never considered attending a women’s college. Every guidance counselor and teacher was quick to tout large state universities, and as I toured these institutions, I found myself less than inspired.

I owe everything to my women’s college. I’ve grown into an amazing woman here at Stephens. The needs of women, in society and the workplace, continue to evolve. There’s no finite way to predict what a woman’s role will be ten years from now, as cultural attitudes change constantly. Attending an institution that values receptiveness, flexibility and change is critical to women entering the job market.

I know how it feels to be a senior in high school considering a women’s college. I also know how it feels to be a member of a unique institution that treats students as more than just numbers. Women’s colleges are dedicated to you.

As a college senior, I have spent many hours reflecting on my experiences here. I have learned many lessons that I know my peers at co-ed institutions may never learn. Real women empower each other. Stephens possesses some of the most cutthroat career paths available: theater, dance, fashion and advertising. Everyone, and I mean everyone, is encouraging.

I cannot possibly describe how proud I am to call myself a Stephens woman. I remember watching my supervisor-a fellow Susie-at an internship in New York City, simply awestruck at her dynamic presence and creativity. She was an incredible boss and support system to me. Most importantly, she never belittled anyone, especially not another woman.

Recently, President Dianne Lynch held a press conference to announce the donation of an unrestricted $15 million. In her address, she described Stephens women as “elegant, graceful, intelligent, articulate, stubborn, opinionated and ambitious,” and this is because of the education that never belittles, insults or attempts to masculinize the qualities of women that make us so amazing.

The women’s college experience is indescribable. The faculty, staff and students inspire others to do better simply for the sake of being all that we can be. After all, one small step for women is one large leap for humankind.

                              © 2014 - Michelle Niewald

Monday, March 10, 2014

Celebrating Women’s History Month, Stephens College Style

Check out Stephens College’s new Women's History Month Web site!

"Stephens College is committed to women’s education. We believe in giving women the opportunity to develop into confident, self-sufficient, independent leaders.

Located in Columbia, Mo., home of the University of Missouri, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to interact with everyone. On campus, though, you’ll have more opportunities to be a star—and that’s going to give you a better chance of being a star after graduation.

Although graduates of women’s colleges represent only 2 percent of all women graduating from college, 30 percent of rising women stars in corporate America graduated from women’s colleges, and 20 percent of women in Congress graduated from all-women’s colleges. Studies show those graduating from women’s colleges are more successful, earn more money and are happier than their co-ed peers."


Learn more about this women's college by visiting their Web site.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Birthday Wishes for this Women's College


Meredith Celebrates Past and Future on Founders’ Day

"Meredith College celebrated Founders’ Day on February 27, 2014, marking 123 years since the College’s founding in 1891. The College community took this opportunity to celebrate its success and to look toward the future.

“Today marks  Meredith’s 123rd birthday, making this an ideal opportunity for faculty, staff, students, alumnae, and community members to gather to honor Meredith’s past, celebrate recent accomplishments and talk about the ways that Meredith College – an institution that is Going Strong -- will become even stronger in the future,” said President Jo Allen. A member of the Class of 1980, Allen is the first alumna to serve as Meredith’s president.

Meredith College has grown from a student body of 200 women when the College’s doors opened into one of the largest and most successful women’s colleges in the nation, with 2,000 students and 19,000 graduates."


Learn more about how Meredith College is Going Strong
!

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Her Mom Suggested a Women’s College


 "Being the first and only residential college for women that provides students to build their success while uniting women together, Douglass Residential College is a place that Jennifer can call home. Her mother initially convinced her to apply to Douglass, feeling it would be a great idea for Jennifer to surround herself with a community full of strong women.”

Douglass is part of Rutgers University (The State University of New Jersey). Both of my sisters graduated from Douglass and loved going to this women’s colleges. Get to know Jennifer Osolinski, a senior at Douglass, to see if Douglass might be right for you!

Blog Post Highlights:

“Leadership and determination is something Jennifer most definitely brings to the table. She is a Douglass woman who brings out the best in her colleagues and is able to take her leadership roles and persistence to encourage many young women across Douglass. Jennifer wants the women of Douglass, as well as across the nation to be fearless and take leadership roles, they should never let society’s perception of their gender get in the way of what they aspire to become.”

Learn more about Douglass College from their Web site.

As referenced on Wikkepedia: "Douglass Residential College, located in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is a part of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. . . .It offers a community that focuses on developing women's success. Douglass Residential College provides opportunities for women to reside in single-sex residence halls, to participate in women-centered organizations and to develop leadership skills."

Monday, March 3, 2014

Dom Streater Winner of “Project Runway" Gratuated from a Women's College

 
Yup, that's correct . . . Moore College of Art & Design. How cool is that?

And if you live in the Philadelphia area, check out the new billboard featuring Dom Streater.

“Beginning this Monday, March 3 and continuing through April 27, 2014 look for billboards promoting Moore’s legacy as the first and only visual arts college for women in the country and featuring alumna Dom Streater '10, winner of “Project Runway.” They will be located southbound on I-95 at State Road, northbound on the Schuylkill Expressway at Maiden Lane, and rotating on a digital billboard on the Vine Expressway/I-676 at 5th Street. Feel free to take photos and share them via your favorite social media.”

Also, if you're thinking about a career as a fashion designer, read my Huffington Post blog post about Dom and her advice for college-bound high school girls interested in a fashion career.

Moore's BFA Program for women offers the following majors: Art Education, Art History, Curatorial Studies, Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interactive & Motion Arts, Interior Design, and Photography & Digital Arts. For additional information about Moore College of Art & Design, continue here.