Nineteenth Century

1870

Wheaton Alumnae Association Founded

The Alumnae Association held its first meeting after graduation exercises on July 13, 1870. Caroline Cutler Metcalf was elected to be its first president.

Its purpose was to “promote mutual acquaintance and interest among the graduates of the Institution, and also an interest in the Seminary.”

The organization’s constitution defined the membership as graduates, principals, teachers and Mrs. Wheaton. The exclusion of non-graduates became a problem, however, as so few students actually graduated from the Seminary. By 1922, there were only 512 living graduates, but 1738 living former students, so the association was reorganized to include non-graduates.