History of the League
As the first First Lady of MIT, Emma Rogers realized early on the importance of creating a network of campus women who could come together in a social setting for the benefit of friendship and sisterhood. A tireless supporter of the Institute, founded by her husband William Barton Rogers in 1861, Mrs. Rogers never hesitated to open her home, her heart, and her resources to make a burgeoning technical school into a more friendly and congenial place for all.
First Lady Alice Maclaurin, wife of MIT President Richard C. Maclaurin, realized the need to formalize the network for the benefit of both the women and the Institute. During her husband's tenure from 1909 to 1920, a constitution was written, bylaws adopted, and a name established in 1913 as The Emma Rogers Organization of Technology Matrons (abbreviated one month later to Technology Matrons). By 1922, the organization expanded its scope even further by inviting the wives of students into its midst under the name of the Technology Dames, a move that served as a testament to its commitment to perpetuate the desire of Mrs. Rogers "to promote sociability among families of the administration and instructing staffs of MIT."
Operating under the moniker of the MIT Women's League since 1975, the organization has evolved with the times, re-evaluating and reinventing itself over its nearly 100-year history to cater to an increasingly diverse and multicultural membership. The League remains open to all women who are part of MIT's community, for example, through their work, their matriculation as students, or as a result of arriving on campus as a spouse of a student, staff, or faculty member.
Social interaction to foster friendship among MIT's women remains as one the hallmarks of the organization, as does dedication to public service and good works that benefit both MIT and the greater Boston and Cambridge communities. Membership remains free and open to all.
Milestones of the past decade include:
- The Furniture Exchange, now accessible to students from MIT and other neighboring schools. Ever increasing sales and profits continue to benefit the MIT Women's League Scholarship Fund.
- A clothing service project to aid international undergraduates in need of winter and interview attire.
- The continuation of the ever-popular English conversation classes held in the fall and spring semesters for 60 to 95 women per term.
- The Hosts to International Students Program that has found hosts for international students for nearly 30 years, now under MIT's International Students Office.
- A broader range of excursions, such as walking tours of Boston, Cambridge, and the environs. Tours have included visits to the MIT art collections, the Newbury Street galleries, and local museums.
- The Catherine N. Stratton Lecture Fund, which underwrites annual lectures on social and political issues as well as health seminars.
The MIT Women's League continues to offer opportunities for women to contribute and to lead; to lend their expertise and ideas; and to participate at any level so they may take part — as one member eloquently states — "in this unsung treasure that does extraordinary work."
For a detailed history on the League or membership information, email wleague@mit.edu.
