Notable Women Honored at Colorado Women’s College

The University of Denver’s Colorado Women’s College (CWC) is bringing an exhibit to campus March 27-June 26 designed to showcase the women who have pioneered change and innovation throughout Colorado’s colorful and storied history. On loan from the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame, the exhibit features panel displays telling the women’s stories at three campus locations: the Anderson Academic Commons, the Bonfils Stanton Music Library in the Newman Center for the Performing Arts and the Merle Chambers Center for the Advancement of Women.

Colorado Women’s College has begun a new chapter as a local and regional hub for advancing women through research, leadership, scholarship and public good. CWC brought the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame exhibit to campus as a way to establish its new direction in leading on women’s and gender-equity issues through what’s known as the CWC Collaboratory.

“CWC wants to let our community know we’re still here, committed to advancing women through broader strategies instead of granting degrees,” says Linda Olson, interim dean for the college. “We are aiming for more visibility on campus and in the greater Denver area, and sponsoring this exhibit is a perfect match, in that the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame was created to ensure visibility for the achievements of the women it includes.”

Thirty-eight of the women in the hall of fame have ties to the University, as alumnae, faculty, benefactors or leaders of women’s organizations that work closely with the CWC, such as the Women’s Foundation of Colorado and HERS (Higher Education Resource Services).

The Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame was created in 1985 to recognize, honor and preserve the contributions of trailblazing Colorado women. To date, the hall has inducted 152 extraordinary women of various races, backgrounds, economic levels, career choices, political philosophies and religious beliefs — all united by their outstanding contributions to society. Every two years, the hall inducts 10 women, six contemporary and four historical. Nominations for the 2018 induction are due by Aug. 1, 2017.

While the exhibit is on campus, a series of related events and programs will be held, including an opening reception on March 30. Please see the Colorado Women’s College website for more information.