Wellesley College
Overview
Wellesley College is a private women's liberal arts college in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Established in 1870 by Henry and Pauline Durant, it is a member of the original Seven Sisters Colleges. Wellesley is home to 56 departmental and interdepartmental majors spanning the liberal arts, as well as over 150 student clubs and organizations. The college also has a strong commitment to providing a global perspective, promoting service to others, and sustaining a healthy and respectful community.
History
Wellesley College was founded in 1870 by Henry Fowle Durant and his wife Pauline Fowle Durant. Henry Durant, a successful lawyer, and his wife were both advocates for women's education and decided to establish a college for women that would be equivalent to the best colleges for men of the time. The college was chartered on March 17, 1870, and opened its doors to students on September 8, 1875.
Academics
The academic program at Wellesley College emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to learning. The college offers a comprehensive curriculum with over 1,000 courses in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The college is known for its rigorous academic program, and students are encouraged to engage in original research and independent study.
Campus
The Wellesley College campus, situated on 500 acres of land, is known for its beautiful landscape, which includes Lake Waban, the Alumnae Valley, and the Botanic Gardens. The campus is also home to a variety of architectural styles, from the historic buildings of the original campus to the modern designs of recent additions.
Student Life
Student life at Wellesley College is rich and diverse, with over 150 student clubs and organizations. These range from academic and professional clubs to cultural and identity-based organizations, service groups, and sports and recreation clubs. The college also has a strong tradition of student activism and community service.
Athletics
Wellesley College is a member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) and offers a variety of varsity sports, including basketball, cross country, fencing, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. The college also offers a range of club and intramural sports.
Notable Alumni
Wellesley College has a long list of notable alumni, including politicians, business leaders, academics, artists, and writers. Some of the most notable include former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annie Dillard.