Timeline: Decades of Change

A New Look for Gals at MIT

Article announcing McCormick Hall's second wing, 1968.

  • 1959 - Dr. Emily Wick (PhD V), first woman to be appointed as faculty in the School of Science
  • 1963 - Katharine Dexter McCormick ('04) funds the building of MIT's first on campus dormitory for women students, Stanley A. McCormick Hall
  • 1964 - MIT hosts the American Women in Science & Engineering symposium
  • 1967 - Dr. Lisa Steiner, first woman to be appointed as faculty in the Department of Biology
  • 1968 - Dr. Jennifer Rudd (SB VII), first known Black woman to graduate MIT, in 1968 along with Shirley Jackson
  • 1968 - Dr. Emily Wick (PhD V) becomes first woman to receive tenure in the School of Science
  • 1970 - Dr. Mary Frances Wagley ('47) becomes first woman member of the MIT Corporation
  • 1970 - MIT opens co-ed dorms
Emily Wick lab

Emily Wick, undated.

Women in Science and Engineering conference

American Women in Science and Engineering Symposium at MIT, 1964.

Jennifer Rudd

Jennifer Rudd, first Black woman to graduate with SB in Biology, 1964.

Timeline