In 1974, Saint Anselm College made the momentous decision to welcome women into all programs at the college, beyond the already well-known nursing program. More than 50 years later, the college celebrates this historical milestone with a year-long commemoration. This anniversary marks the inspiring journeys and countless achievements made by the first 26 admitted women at the college. The decision to reshape Saint Anselm into an institution of equal opportunity and success remains salient today.
Appointed by President Joseph A. Favazza, a special committee plans the anniversary celebration with a series of events and programs, engaging students in the year-long commemoration. Featuring the history and success of Saint Anselm women through the last half century, this tribute connects the past to the present, highlighting those who shaped Saint Anselm to be what it is today with the many accomplishments made by women in the present.
Climbing the Hill: Women at Saint Anselm College
The history of women at Saint Anselm is not widely known. Many of their stories have been obscured by the passage of time—but their presence has had a strong, lasting impact on the college.
Honorary Committee
Saint Anselm College celebrates 50 plus years of women’s academics with a series of events throughout the year. The programs engage students in remembering and honoring the many milestones achieved by women at the college. An honorary committee is appointed to construct the year’s commemoration, The committee is led by Father Benet Phillips, O.S.B., ‘87, Director of Alumni Relations and Advancement Programming, and Christine Gustafson, Professor of Politics and Special Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
The committee members are listed below:
Father Benet Phillips, O.S.B. '87
Christine Gustafson
Ann Holbrook
Carolyn King
Jennifer Kelber '01
Susan Gabert '91
Ann Camann
Jennifer Pace '13
Karlea Brunelle
Laura Lemire '06
Keith Chevalier
Benjamin Horton '12
Caryn Sheehan '94
Partner with the Women’s 50th Celebration Committee
If you have an event that fits with our celebration of 50 years of women’s education at the College, please contact Fr. Benet Phillips (bphillips@anselm.edu), Christine Gustafson(cgustafson@anselm.edu), or Laura Lemire (llemire@anselm.edu), so that we can include it in our calendar. We can also give you access to our logo to help with marketing your event. We welcome your collaboration!
Learn More
Upcoming Events
Enjoy an evening of great family fun with one of Shakespeare's most-revered comedies, performed in front of the beauitiful and iconic Alumni Hall on the colleges campus quad. Bring your lawn chairs, coolers, and snacks. Don't miss this amazing summer experience for the whole family.
Kids 12 and under are free.
All sales are final.
No refunds or exchanges.
**In the event that the performance is cancelled due to bad weather, tickets will be valid for any other performance during the summer series. Please contact the Dana Center box office with questions or concerns if you are unable to attend a future date.
Event details for Shakespeare on the Green: A Midsummer Night's Dream 2024
Enjoy an evening of great family fun with one of Shakespeare's most-revered comedies, performed in front of the beauitiful and iconic Alumni Hall on the colleges campus quad. Bring your lawn chairs, coolers, and snacks. Don't miss this amazing summer experience for the whole family.
Kids 12 and under are free.
All sales are final.
No refunds or exchanges.
**In the event that the performance is cancelled due to bad weather, tickets will be valid for any other performance during the summer series. Please contact the Dana Center box office with questions or concerns if you are unable to attend a future date.
Event details for Shakespeare on the Green: A Midsummer Night's Dream 2024
New to the Boston area? Looking for opportunities to meet and mingle with other professionals? Join fellow alumni, students, and friends for a Networking Reception in the final stretch of summer!
This multi-day in person conference is designed for nurses and other health professionals who are working in school settings across the developmental span, from pre-school to college campuses.
Notable features of the conference:
- Full day review for the National School Nursing Certification exam
- Keynote by Dr. Kate King, President of the National Association of School Nurses
- Sessions by renowned author Janice Selekman
- 2 tracks to choose from- one with content for nurses working with children and another for nurses working with adolescents.
- Innovative story sharing session to promote connection and collaboration
Learning Outcome:
By the end of the multi-day school nurse conference "Connecting and Collaborating," participants will be able to describe enhanced interdisciplinary skills and discuss strategies for addressing diverse student health needs and fostering inclusive and supportive school environments.
All packages include free tap class at the end. If they only take tap - $35
Live free and dance is Saint Anselm’s first dance festival. A day full of dance with many dance styles including Contemporary, ballet, hip hop and tap. We are excited to have Impavido, Whitney Wilson, Danielle Gautier, Lauren Lassila and Aaron Tolson on faculty this year.
Day 2 will be a performance from all the companies and studios that submit to be in our Live Free and dance show!
All packages include free tap class at the end. If they only take tap - $35
Live free and dance is Saint Anselm’s first dance festival. A day full of dance with many dance styles including Contemporary, ballet, hip hop and tap. We are excited to have Impavido, Whitney Wilson, Danielle Gautier, Lauren Lassila and Aaron Tolson on faculty this year.
Day 2 will be a performance from all the companies and studios that submit to be in our Live Free and dance show!