Women Shaping History 2004:
First Catholic College for Women:
College of New Rochelle
by Joan Bailey, Ph.D.
The College of New Rochelle began its historic mission in
higher education in 1904 when the State of New York recognized
it as the first Catholic college for women in the state. In
the century since, CNR continues to respond to the contemporary
needs of women and helps its students, women and men, transform
and transcend the traditional roles of women and men. Education
at CNR honors women's perspective and experience. While the
College has expanded to include men in the School of Nursing,
Graduate School, and the nationally recognized baccalaureate
program for adults, School of New Resources, the School of
Arts and Sciences continues to offer a special academic, spiritual,
and nurturing environment just for women.
But the question today is: why now,
as we move into the 21st century, do we still have a college
for women at CNR? Part of the answer lies in what Carol Travis,
author of The Mismeasure of Woman, writes, "The fact is–as research has demonstrated
consistently over the years–young women do better in
their intellectual development when they have at least a few
years to learn and study with each other than when they are
in co-ed environments."
In fact, when compared to women graduates of other colleges
and universities, women's college graduates are more likely
to continue their education beyond the baccalaureate degree
and to become leaders. According to recent research by the
National Institute of Education, over 81 percent of women's
college graduates pursue further graduate or professional training,
and a recent alumnae study revealed that 91 percent of women's
college graduates were totally satisfied with their decision
to attend a women's only college.
While women's college graduates represent only 2 percent of
all female college graduates, they constitute 20 percent of
women in Congress, and 30 percent of a Business Week list of
rising women stars in Corporate America.
The College of New Rochelle prepares graduates for life-long
learning by providing an excellent education, by challenging
them to excel in their chosen fields of business and service,
and by connecting them to a network of alumnae/i they can rely
on for most of their professional and personal lives.
This year, The College of New Rochelle celebrates its Centennial
and at a special colloquium in late March will welcome several
presidents of other women's colleges to explore and reaffirm
the many positive educational advantages for women at women's
colleges.
In staying true to its founding mission, The College of New
Rochelle has prospered as new generations of women, now joined
by men, experience a transformative education, and gained wisdom
for life in a safe and sacred place that is in many ways, a
college of their own.#
Dr. Joan Bailey is Senior VP, Academic Affairs, The College
of New Rochelle.
