Memories, Milestones, and Momentum: 60 Years of Alumnae from Georgetown University McDonough School of Business
The McDonough School of Business graduated its first woman in 1960, and in 2020 we celebrated the 60th anniversary of this milestone. During that time, more than 6,000 women have graduated from Georgetown McDonough. Based largely on photograph and document research using the Georgetown University Archives, the book Memories, Milestones, and Momentum: 60 Years of Alumnae from Georgetown University McDonough School of Business is a celebration of the generations of Georgetown McDonough alumnae who have excelled in fields from politics to finance to law and marketing. From 1960 on, the world has seen extensive changes in the way women engage and contribute to the field of business and to society. The stories told in this book represent only a small fraction of the school’s alumnae, but they provide an important perspective on the university’s and the school’s history, business education, and women in business more broadly. As we reflect on the past 60 years, we look to the next 60 and the impact that our future alumnae will have on the world.
Note the evolution in application forms over time. In 1963, the application was fairly concise with personal information and area of interest on the first page. Less than 10 years later, in 1972, the application changed drastically with only name, address, and photograph required on the first page. Fast forward to 2021, and the application has changed dramatically. One of the most glaring differences is the omission of the words “mother” and “father” which have been replaced with “parent/guardian.”
During the 1959-60 school year, Rita Zekas (B’60) served as the secretary of the Accounting Club at the School of Business Administration.
A handbook for female students from the 1950s and 1960s outlined codes of conduct, dorm requirements, and campus dress code.
Curated by Ashleigh Shay (Alumni Relations Program Coordinator, McDonough School of Business), with contributions from Lauren Apicella (Associate Director of Alumni Relations, McDonough School of Business) and Sophia Morris (Communications Project Manager, McDonough School of Business)
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