Colorado Women's College (after 1993) Records

Collection

Identifier: U109

Staff Only

Abstract

The Colorado Women's College became a part of the University of Denver in 1982. The College was focused on providing a specifically women-centered context to its students. Degree-granting programs ceased as of 2015. The collection is comprised of administrative records, program files, Alumni Association records, and documentation related to the construction of the Merle Chambers Center.

Dates

1902-2007
Majority of material found within 1993-2007

Creator

University of Denver. Colorado Women's College (Organization)

Biographical / Historical

The Women's College of the University of Denver was first chartered in 1888 as the Colorado Woman's Baptist College, which was later renamed the Colorado Women's College (CWC). The CWC began The Weekend College program in 1980, and the University of Denver acquired CWC in 1982. The University of Denver continued The Weekend College as a part of the Daniels College of Business.

After a period in which the position of Director of the Weekend College was held by multiple people in quick succession, Michele Bloom became the Executive Director of The Weekend College in 1993. The Weekend College existed as a continuing education program for women, and Bloom renamed the program The Women's College in the same year she became Executive Director. The Women's College became a separate academic unit within the University, and Michele Bloom was named its first Dean in 1997.

In 1999, The Women's College moved to the University Park Campus, and the construction of a Women's Center was announced. In 2004, the Merle Chambers Center for the Advancement of Women was completed and opened. In 2007, Dr. Lynn M. Gangone was named the second Dean of The Women's College, and Michele Bloom was named Dean Emeritas. In 2017, Ann Ayers became the third and final Dean of the The Women's College, following its name change in 2013.

In 2013, the name changed to Colorado Women's College of the University of Denver. The school offered its own curriculum and degree program. In 2015, DU closed the degree programs in favor of "researching and piloting programs focused on accelerating the advancement of women and equity." As of 2022, the sole program is the Colorado Women’s College Leadership Scholars (a scholarship program).

Extent

48.25 Linear Feet (53 containers)

49.75 Linear Feet (54 containers)

Additional Description

Scope and Contents

This collection contains materials pertaining to the history of the Colorado Women's College after its merger with the University of Denver in 1982. It contains program files and proposals, construction documentation for the Chambers Center, administrative files, files related to the CWC Alumni Association, copies of The Weekender, and marketing and public relations materials.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged into nine series:

Michele Bloom's Records, 1977-2006
Chambers Center Records, 1993-2006
Marketing, PR, and Publications, 1995-2003
Administrative Files, 1989-2007
Alumni Files, 1986-2006
The Weekender, 1982-2006
Lark Birdsong's Files, 1999-2001
Academic Program Files, 1990-2007
Photographs

Related Materials

Materials pertaining to the history of Colorado Women's College (CWC) prior to its merger with the University of Denver may be found in M130, Colorado Women's College Records.

Materials pertaining to the history of the Weekend College following the CWC's merger with DU in 1982 may be found in U107 (University of Denver Weekend College Records, Undated).