From February 9-11, Columbia alumnae from across the University celebrated our powerful network of women, whose Columbia connections broaden our impact in the world — personally and professionally. The weekend included valuable engagement and development opportunities: eye-opening speakers, personalized workshops, and discussions about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, financial planning, changing or redefining your career, juggling life priorities, leadership in the office, and more.
“She Opened the Door” was a tribute to Winifred Edgerton Merrill. She was the first woman to receive a degree from Columbia University, opening the door for women to gain admission to Columbia's graduate and professional Schools at a time when co-education for women was under heavy debate. Merrill received a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University in 1886 by unanimous vote of the board of trustees. Additionally, she was the first American woman to receive a Ph.D. in mathematics. In 1933, the 50th anniversary of her graduation from Wellesley College, the Wellesley class of 1883 gave Columbia a portrait with the inscription underneath, "She opened the door."
