All images are courtesy of Franklin & Marshall College Archives and Special Collections.
Despite the college’s nearly 240-year prestigious history, women have only been enrolled at F&M for 55 years. Now, over half a century since the dawn of co-education at F&M, the institution has an astounding 53.5% female-identifying students, with President Altman and a diverse group of female professors shaping the education of F&M women.
In honor of Women’s History Month, The College Reporter brings a collection of photographs that only begin to touch the surface of co-education at Franklin and Marshall College.
Eugene Hall ’69 presented a petition for co-ed to President Keith Spalding and Samoff.
President Spalding looking at a sign on the protest tree that reads: “Co-education today, not tomorrow.”
January 17, 1969 edition of The College Reporter.
A dozen students greet Susan Vanderzell, the first girl to apply for admission at 171-year-old Franklin and Marshall College, which will go co-ed next fall. About 50 girls are expected to enroll in September, and ultimately, the ratio of the 1600-member student body will be about 12 to 1, just as it was in the group when Susan made campus history recently with her application for admission.
Students in class circa 1970. No names were provided.
Graphic from College 1969 Yearbook.
Excerpt from College 1969 Yearbook.
Male students sitting around the protest tree where a sign reads “Welcome Girls F and M Boys,” watching women students walk by. Notes on the verso suggest that the photograph was included in a College publication. Circa 1969.
Students in class circa 1970. No names were provided.
Excerpt from College 1969 Yearbook
Sophomore Anna Chiaradonna is the editor-in-chief. Her email is achiarad@fandm.edu.