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In March 1910, four visionary women came together in Washington, D.C., to organize the College Alumnae Club, laying the foundation for what would become the National Association of University Women. Their vision centered on professional excellence, civic engagement, and personal and intellectual fellowship among professional women. More than a century later, their legacy continues through generations of women committed to education, leadership, service, and community advancement.
Mrs. Mary Church Terrell
Mrs. Mary Church Terrell
National Founder
Mary Church Terrell (1863–1954) was an educator, lecturer, writer, civil rights activist, and advocate for women’s suffrage. She earned both her A.B. and A.M. degrees from Oberlin College and devoted her life to education, racial equality, and women’s rights. She was a founder and the first president of the National Association of Colored Women. In March 1910, Terrell joined Dr. Sara Brown, Dr. Nancy Fairfax Brown, and Miss Mary Cromwell in organizing the College Alumnae Club in Washington, D.C., establishing the foundation for what would become the National Association of University Women.
Dr. Sara Winifred Brown
Dr. Sara Winifred Brown
National Founder
Dr. Sara Winifred Brown (1868–1948) was an educator and physician whose life reflected a commitment to education and professional achievement. She attended Cornell University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1897 before earning her medical degree from Howard University in 1904. She became an educator and physician and was later associated with Howard University. In March 1910, Dr. Brown joined Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, Dr. Nancy Fairfax Brown, and Miss Mary Cromwell in organizing the College Alumnae Club in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Nancy Fairfax Brown
Dr. Nancy Fairfax Brown
National Founder
Dr. Nancy Fairfax Brown (1877–1958) was an educator, scholar, pharmacist, and civic leader. Born in Winchester, Virginia, she graduated from Howard University in 1895 and Cornell University in 1899 and earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. She devoted much of her career to education and was active in civic and women’s suffrage efforts. In March 1910, Dr. Brown joined Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, Dr. Sara Brown, and Miss Mary Cromwell in organizing the College Alumnae Club in Washington, D.C.
Miss Mary E. Cromwell
Miss Mary E. Cromwell
National Founder
Mary E. Cromwell was an educator and scholar who was deeply committed to the advancement of educated women. She earned her A.B. degree from the University of Michigan and her A.M. degree from the University of Pennsylvania, with additional graduate study at Columbia University. She taught mathematics at Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C. In March 1910, Cromwell joined Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, Dr. Sara Brown, and Dr. Nancy Fairfax Brown in organizing the College Alumnae Club in Washington, D.C.
THEIR VISION. OUR LEGACY.
THEIR VISION. OUR LEGACY.
The vision established by these four women in 1910 continues to inspire generations of college educated women to lead, serve, and make a difference in their communities.
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