Photo courtesy of Vecteezy
March is Women’s History Month and women at SAU have made some monumental achievements, that many say deserve recognition. SAU continues to support and shape the growth of women in many different roles.
The SAU community shared its thoughts on what Women’s History Month is. History professor Keri Manning stated, “Because of the classes I teach and the themes I care about, I feel like every month is Women’s History Month for me, and Black History Month, and Native American Heritage Month, etc. I do think it’s important to maintain these days, weeks, or months that acknowledge the histories of historically marginalized people because they are still not thoroughly integrated into curricula in K12 or higher education. And many people of older generations (Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, probably millennials as well) did not get a lot of content about women’s history, if any.”
Ellie Mooney, junior, English major, says, “As a woman, I’ve never celebrated or done anything for Women’s History Month. I’ve also never done anything in school like I had with Black History Month. It’s very underrepresented and underappreciated.”
Women’s History of St. Ambrose University
At St. Ambrose University, women accomplished some important milestones. The St. Ambrose University website explains the history linked to women. In 1933, St. Ambrose University allowed Sister Edith Cane to become the first female student to reside on campus. Prior to this, SAU was a seminary established in 1882 by Bishop John McMullen. In 1937, Bishop Rohlman began the process to obtain property for the women’s division at Marycrest College. Marycrest College was affiliated with St. Ambrose College until Marycrest College became independent from St. Ambrose College in 1954.
In 1968, St. Ambrose officially became a co-educational institution. In 1971, the Board of Directors welcomed their first female member, Margaret Tiedemann. In 1987, St Ambrose became a university. In 2007, Sister Joan Lescinski became its first female president and in August of 2021, Dr. Amy Novak become its second.
According to recent SAU data from the fall of 2024, there are more women in the programs that St. Ambrose University offers, In the Undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs.
In these degree programs, women outnumber men. Also, in recent data, SAU currently has more female faculty and staff members that work on campus than men.
More Collegiate Women Nationally Attained College
According to the Pew Research Center, in 2024, over 45% of women nationally attained a bachelor’s degree from ages 25-34, compared to men, 37% who have a bachelor’s degree. Women with bachelor’s degrees have increased by over 20%, from 1995 at 25 % to 47%.
Student’s Reactions to Gender Ratio on Campus
Many students have an interesting perspective on the gender ratio here at SAU. Students shared their thoughts and opinions on acknowledging the fact that there are more women on SAU campus. Many students say they like how there are currently more females than males.
David Sywassink, a music major senior, added, “I like that women are going to college. Women were undervalued for so long.”
Grace Hagerman, a sophomore secondary education and history major, stated, “I don’t think there is a problem with it. Women are just as intelligent and important as men, so a college campus is perfect.”
Corey McAleer, a sophomore graphic design major, said, “I don’t have a problem with more women going to college.”
Ellie Mooney added, “Personally, I really love that more and more women are looking to get their higher education, and I do hope that this is the case for a very long time. However, because we are a mostly female campus, I believe that we could potentially be a big target for Republicans and people who support the Donald Trump administration.”
Ella Schneider, a junior, psychology major said, “I think it is amazing that there are more women on campus in all roles. I feel this speaks to how important women are in all careers and their vital role in making the world a better place.”
Students shared the same positive opinions about the increased number of women as students, faculty, and staff members at SAU. However, some students did not notice a greater female presence on campus, and many male students say they did not notice the gender ratio at all, until asked about the recent data.
Luka Konovalov, a junior, criminal justice and sociology major added, “I don’t care. I haven’t really noticed.”
As part of Women’s History Month, the SAU library has displayed its books celebrating Women’s History Month, books written by phenomenal women, that shape our history. As English Professor Philip Goldfarb-Styrt says, “there isn’t history without women.”
