WEAA history

A Brief History

For nearly 150 years the histories of the Woman’s Educational Aid Association, Northwestern University, and the progression of women as scholars and leaders at the University have been intertwined. Throughout the years, the WEAA has kept unwavering focus on its mission: providing financial and other assistance that enables young women at Northwestern to achieve their educational goals.

1871–1900

The WEAA Emerges

The WEAA began as a subcommittee of the Women’s Educational Association, formed in 1871 to help promote the higher education of deserving students at the Evanston College for Ladies. Frances Willard, a prominent feminist at the time, was president of ECL and a member of the WEAA board. A year later, the organization purchased a home for the scholars and called it College Cottage. The home operated as a self-governing cooperative until 1968. When Northwestern University became coeducational in 1873, the Educational Association ceased to exist but its Aid Fund Committee assumed the name Woman’s Educational Aid Association. Its purpose was to help young women with the cost of college room and board.

1901–1920

Housing and assistance expand

In 1901 the College Cottage was renamed Pearsons Hall, in honor of Hannah Pearsons, a charter member of the board. By 1904, more than 1,400 young women had been housed at College Cottage and Pearsons. To house more scholars, Dr. D.K. Pearsons offered to build an additional dormitory, Chapin Hall, on the condition that Northwestern provide the land while operation of the Hall would be vested in the WEAA.

1921–1940

The WEAA innovates and regroups

In 1922, the WEAA board recommended that university trustees hire a woman physician to care for the health needs of women students. During this period, the women of Chapin and Pearsons Halls adopted a form of hall government before the university gave its blessing to student self-government. The Depression pressed hard on the WEAA: occupancy fell to 65 students by 1933, Pearsons Hall closed, and the building was sold to Northwestern in 1935. The proceeds were used to remodel Chapin Hall.

1941–1960

An era of campus-wide leadership begins

WEAA scholars and board members contributed to the war effort in the 1940s, with Chapin Hall residents leading the campus in contributions to the Red Cross and taking part in USO shows at Fort Sheridan. Chapin residents also earned campus-wide recognition: in 1943, a Chapin resident was elected student government head, 48 Chapin women belonged to professional and honorary sororities, and 31 residents held university scholarships.

1960s to present

Unafraid to challenge, open to change

Chapin women continued a legacy of scholarship and leadership. During the Vietnam War, they advocated for student rights, especially for women. In 1967, the WEAA board negotiated with Northwestern to transfer management of Chapin Hall to the University. It operated as a women’s residence hall until 1979, when it became the Humanities Residential College. WEAA continues to support the educational goals of women students at Northwestern through needed financial assistance within a friendly, supportive environment.

Memories of Chapin Hall

The Archive Committee has worked with Northwestern student photographer Ava Mandoli to conduct and produce video interviews of current and past board members who lived in Chapin Hall. Interviews include Helen Gagel, Carolyn Utech, Agnes Roach, Marjorie Passini, Ph.D., and Marti Bjornson. The project will continue with current and past board officers and other members.

See a detailed history of the WEAA

An enduring promise

Our history is rooted in a simple, lasting idea: when women have access to education, mentorship and a community that believes in them, their possibilities expand.