Hopkins' first female graduate talks about her experience 35 years later

Strolling around campus today, you would never guess that a mere 35 years ago, Hopkins admitted its first female undergraduate students. The previously all-male institution opened its doors to women in 1970, offering them an opportunity to become part of an independent, intellectual atmosphere. Over the years, the female presence and influence on campus has taken giant leaps forward, as Hopkins now admits women to represent over half of incoming classes.

The first woman to officially obtain a Bachelor of the Arts degree at Hopkins was Helena Roselle Long Watts. She studied mathematics but was unable to complete her degree. A bold, young woman, she was recognized for her academic achievement with an honorary B.A. in 1952, approximately 20 years before females were regularly admitted into the University.

In 1969, a student-faculty administration discussed the possibility of admitting female undergraduates and strongly influenced the Academic Council's support of the idea. Finally, on Nov. 10, 1969, the Board of Trustees at Hopkins established a new policy of coeducation with an official resolution. The goals of coeducation involved efforts to increase both the size and diversity of the applicant pool, to improve the intellectual and social environment on campus, and to eradicate all forms of discrimination. With such ambitious goals to improve the Hopkins environment, all fingers pointed toward the integration of females on campus.

Upon hearing the news, many local women approached the integration at Hopkins with great joy, enthused to be allowed such an amazing opportunity for education at an esteemed university. 1971 graduate Kathy Matthews described her ecstasy: "I was thrilled and applied immediately. I can remember reading that Hopkins acceptance letter and feeling that I was the luckiest person imaginable and now my life would begin." Matthews previously attended the all-female College of Notre Dame before she quickly and happily relocated down the street to Hopkins as one of the first two female transfers in the spring of her freshman year.

Completely in love with the charming yet commercially undeveloped character of Baltimore, Matthews knew she wanted to stay and that Hopkins was the right choice for her.

Due to the turbulent political atmosphere in the U.S. during the 60s and 70s, Matthews said that "structured campus activities paled when compared to the intensity of real life." Hopkins students were highly influenced by the political events as they feared the draft and participated in riots. "While perhaps less politically sophisticated than today's students, we were far more engaged," recalled Matthews, comparing her collegiate experience with that of her two sons.

Despite the political pressure of the era, the alum described her favorite aspect of Hopkins -- the high level of the academic atmosphere. With strong reverence for her favorite professors, Matthews recalled the amazing influence they had on campus and the special place they now hold in her memories. With 15 books and four national bestsellers under her belt, Matthews now works in New York both writing and publishing books. Her intuitive ambition and Hopkins education led to some handsome career opportunities as she has collaborated with actress Sophia Loren and Dr. Robert Giller, one of the first to promote a bacterial cause of stomach ulcers as opposed to stress, which had been commonly assumed to be the culprit.

Working with these renowned individuals highlights only a fraction of the unique opportunities life has presented the writer. Matthews said, "I have been extremely grateful to continue my education in my work and get paid for it."

Matthews humbly rejected the fact that she could be considered a pioneer, but she is clearly an example of not only one of the many astounding women to graduate from Hopkins, but one of the first.

Matthews concisely stated what many Hopkins students know and believe -- "I will always be grateful to Hopkins for what it offered to me at the time: the opportunity to become a member of a community of independent-minded scholars."

Throughout the past 35 years, the female representation on campus has rapidly progressed to an astonishing magnitude as thousands of indispensable graduates have continued to conquer and influence the world, even if it all began with the few.