1975
Wilma Scott Heide Speaks at Commencement
Wilma Scott Heide, feminist author and activist, speaks at Wheaton’s 140th commencement. Trained as a psychiatric nurse, Scott Heide went on to found the Pittsburgh chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW), later serving as NOW’s president from 1971 to 1974. Her speech commemorates International Women’s Year by applauding the graduating class’ generation for their ambition and strength. Scott Heide concludes her speech with an optimistic message for the class of 1975. She states, “I shall remember and cherish this day—as I trust you will—as one more time we commence to re-create the kind of lives and world where the power of love exceeds the love of power”.