In the fall of 1974, the first cohort of women signed their names in the matriculation book and officially became part of the school’s history. However, they also faced scrutiny, educational barriers, and resistance.

Their efforts to shatter the glass ceiling for girls has enabled many of the privileges students have today. And it is for this that we celebrate them.

Multiple events this year will honor the first classes of girls: from special dinners to an alumnae athletes weekend to team reunions and a special celebration at the 50th Gala Weekend, our school has done its best to make sure their trailblazing legacy will be appropriately commemorated.

Taking the time to specifically acknowledge women’s achievements is especially necessary this year.

As Director of Community Partnerships Ms. Caroline Kenny-Burchfield ’77 said, “Recognizing and celebrating the wise decision 50 years ago to admit girls, and spotlighting their accomplishments as Hotchkiss students and alumnae rightly underscores the enduring and resonating impact of that monumental transition.”

At the time, girls were not uniformly embraced and supported. Male classmate Mr. Chris Shea ’77 said, “The school was woefully unprepared for the start of coeducation. I would like to think that many of them survived and thrived in part because of the support they received from their male classmates.”

Although Mr. Shea’s testimony emphasizes the importance of celebrating 50 years of coeducation at the school, some people may feel that a year devoted to recognizing alumnae takes away from the accomplished of male alums.

Cindy Softy ’77 said, “It’s both the men and women who make Hotchkiss. There’s no doubt Hotchkiss earned its excellent reputation as an all-male school for 83 years, but in my opinion, coeducation kick-started it to a higher level. Not only could the women compete academically, we brought in new perspectives and created a more realistic social balance as preparation for our futures. Every aspect of life on campus was impacted.”

Every current student should take this opportunity to celebrate those who came before us. They have given us many incredible opportunities, for which we should be grateful.

Whether we visit the gallery to view the work of alumnae artists, read the history of coeducation in the Rotunda exhibit, or meet alumae, we can engage with this exciting anniversary celebration.