Stories

Mary Alma Sullivan, BVM
The WLA remembers Mary Alma Sullivan, BVM, cinema studies & communications instructor at Mundelein College and Loyola University Chicago, who passed away June 25, 2023.
Piper Hall Summer 2023 Construction Update
This summer, Loyola began various stormwater improvements and interventions to protect campus buildings, including Piper Hall. This project includes separation of the storm and sanitary systems. As this project continues, the WLA remains open to visitors by appointment. Work in the plaza in front of Piper Hall will continue through Spring 2024.
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Celebration of Mundelein College History: April 27, 2023
Join us for a celebration of Mundelein College's history at a reception with refreshments, photo displays, Mundelein trivia, and prizes! Stop by any time for all or part of the evening.DETAILS
Winter Break Closure
The WLA will be closed for winter break December 19 through January 2. If you have research questions before the break, please email us at wlarchives@luc.edu. Happy Holidays!
Mundelein at 90 Project Update: September 2022
The Women and Leadership Archives (WLA) at Loyola University Chicago completed the first year of the Mundelein at 90 digitization project in July 2022 after receiving an Illinois History Digital Imaging grant. Over 4 thousand photographs have been digitized at the WLA by student Digitization and Metadata Assistants and an outside vendor has completed the digitization of 748 publications and 18 scrapbooks.READ MORE
Remembering Enid Baron
Clinical Psychologist, Mundelein College Director of Counseling, and poet Enid Baron passed away in October 2022. Her collection at the WLA includes materials related to her volunteer work with the Poetry Center of Chicago, her work as a counselor, and her published poetry. See the new finding aid for her collection to learn more.READ MORE
EVENT: The Synod and Women: Which Way to the Future?
Please join us September 27, 2022, for a talk from Phyllis Zagano, an internationally acclaimed Catholic scholar and lecturer on contemporary spirituality and women’s issues in the church. She belonged to the 2016-2018 Papal Commission for the Study of the Diaconate of Women and holds a research appointment at Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York.REGISTER
Ravenwsood ArtWalk
Stop by the WLA's booth at the Ravenswood ArtWalk September 10 and 11, 2022. The WLA holds the collection of Judith Roth, artist and ArtWalk founder, and is happy to help celebrate the ArtWalk's 20th anniversary this year. LEARN MORE
The WLA Remembers Dr. Caroll Henry
Caroll Easter Henry, scientist and educator, taught briefly at Mundelein College during her distinguished career. Henry passed away June 22, 2022.
Hoellen Grant 2022
The WLA used the Hoellen Family Foundation grant in 2022 to purchase a laptop for staff use and digitization of audiovisual materials from two WLA collections, A College of Their Own Records and Helen Ramirez-Odell Papers.
Mundelein at 90 Digitization Project Underway!
Work is underway on the Mundelein at 90 project funded by the Illinois History Digital Imaging Grant. The Mundelein at 90 digitization project aims to digitize and provide online access through the Illinois Digital Archives to unique historical records from Mundelein College. Follow the link for more information and updates on the project.LEARN MORE
Women’s History Month Archives Exchange
Join the WLA and Gerber/Hart Library at 6:30pm on March 31, 2022, for virtual tours of both archives and a "show and tell" of a few favorite collections. WLA Director Emily Reiher will discuss SisterSerpents, a radical feminist art collective that was formed in 1989 Chicago. Archivist Whit Sadusky and librarian Erin Bell of Gerber/Hart will discuss Lorrainne Sade Baskerville, an American social worker and activist best known for founding the transgender advocacy group transGENESIS. Free to attend!REGISTER
VIDEO: Loyola at 150: Student Life Timeline Project
Did you miss the event on February 16, 2022? Watch the recording of the presentation: Loyola at 150: Student Life timeline Project, now available online. WATCH VIDEO
Onsite Researchers at the WLA February 2022
Effective February 28, 2022, the WLA reading room will be open by appointment only. We are still available to provide remote assistance to researchers, answer reference requests, and accept donations by mail with advance notice. Please contact the WLA at wlarchives@LUC.edu for assistance. DETAILS
EVENT: Loyola at 150: Student Life Timeline Project
Wednesday, February 16, 2022, join us for an online presentation by three of the Sesquicentennial Scholars. Created to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Loyola’s founding, this digital project explores Loyola’s history, the connections between the Loyola student body and the world while highlighting student life at Loyola and Mundelein College. The project features interactive timelines, themed exhibits, and historical photographs and documents from the University Archives and Special Collections and the WLA.REGISTER
Winter Break Closures
The WLA will be closed Wednesday, December 22, 2021, through the end of the year and will reopen on Monday, January 3, 2022. Happy Holidays!
The WLA is Hiring
The Women and Leadership Archives (WLA) seeks to hire Digitization and Metadata Assistants as part of the Mundelein at 90 grant project, which aims to digitize and provide online access to unique historical records from Mundelein College. Positions begin in Spring 2022 and are open to Loyola students currently enrolled in a MA or PhD program. LEARN MORE
Calling All Mundelein College Alumnae – we want to hear about your experience at Mundelein College!
We are continuing our Share Your Story: Student Life at Mundelein project to expand and enrich our records of Mundelein College’s history. But we need your help!
Grant Received: Mundelein at 90
We are pleased to announce the WLA has received a grant to fund the "Mundelein at 90" digitization project, which aims to digitize and provide online access through the Illinois Digital Archives to unique historical records from Mundelein College. Follow the link for more information and updates on the project.LEARN MORE
Mundelein Reunion 2021: Recap
Did you miss the 2021 Mundelein College Reunion? See the slides presented by WLA Director, Emily Reiher.VIEW
Celebrating Class of 1971 and the Mundelein College Reunion
On October 2, 2021, Class of 1971 and other Mundelein College alumnae will gather virtually for the annual reunion! To celebrate, we are sharing a timeline of events at Mundelein College from 1967-1971, photos, and other resources for all alumnae!MORE
Mundelein Alumnae Celebrate Class Reunion 2021
On October 2, 2021, graduates of Mundelein College will gather virtually for this year’s reunion. The celebration will include honoring the 50 year reunion of the class of 1971, and their induction into the Golden Phoenix Society.
WLA Remembers Donna Quinn, O.P.
Donna Quinn, O.P., founder of Chicago Catholic Women, co-founder of Women-Church Convergence, and advocate for women’s equality, passed away July 30, 2021.
Onsite Researchers at the WLA: Fall 2021
Loyola University Chicago is welcoming visitors back to campus again, and the WLA reading room is now open to researchers by appointment. In accordance with University guidelines, please note the following requirements for onsite research at the WLA: Appointments may be made Monday-Friday concluding by 5pm, masks must be worn indoors in all campus buildings and are available at the WLA if needed, visitors must provide proof of vaccination upon entry or attest to a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 72 hours pre-arrival, and please do not come to campus if you have COVID-19 symptoms. To schedule an appointment, please contact the WLA at wlarchives@LUC.edu. Find additional details on University guidelines at LUC.edu/returntocampus.DETAILS
WLA Remembers Margery Frisbie
Mundelein College alumna (Class of 1944), Director of Public Relations, and accomplished writer, Margery Rowbottom Frisbie passed away August 8, 2021. Read more about Frisbie's life and career and her collection at the WLA.
Summer 2021 WLA Update
WLA staff will continue to be onsite as needed to fulfill digitization and remote research requests. The WLA may accept donated materials and collections with the Director’s approval. Please contact wlarchives@luc.edu for additional information.
Loyola at 150: Student Life Timeline is Live!
Created to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Loyola’s founding, the “Loyola at 150: Student Life Timeline” project is a digital project consisting of timelines drawing together significant world, Chicago, institutional and student events characterizing each decade in Loyola’s history since 1870. The timeline also includes Mundelein College student experiences! Head over to the website to uncover these stories!VIEW
Remembering Bren Murphy, Ph.D.
The WLA remembers Loyola professor of nearly 40 years and WLA supporter, Bren Ortega Murphy, Ph.D, who passed away April 26, 2021 at the age of 72.
WLA Newsletter
Read issues of the WLA Newsletter.
New Finding Aids for Maria Pappas Papers, Mundelein College Photograph Collection, and Judith Roth Papers
Visit our Manuscript Collections page to explore new preliminary finding aids. We are regularly adding more information on our unprocessed collections to help with your research!VIEW
Judith Roth Papers at the WLA
The papers of artist Judith Roth were donated to the WLA in 2020. Among her many accolades, Roth was president of the Chicago Women’s Caucus for Art, founder of the Ravenswood ArtWalk, and an award-winning window designer at Marshall Field & Company.
Piper Hall Photograph Tour
Photographs of Piper Hall
Remembering Dr. Irene Meyer
The WLA remembers Mundelein alumna, professor and activist Dr. Irene Meyer who passed away February 11, 2021 at the age of 91.
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Demo: Accessing the Women and Leadership Archives Online
Emily Reiher, Certified Archivist and WLA Director, gave a brief presentation via Zoom on Using the Women and Leadership Archives Online on February 18, 2021. If you missed the event, you can still watch the presentation.VIEW
Paczki Day 2021
February 16, 2021, is Fat Tuesday or Paczki Day! Celebrate by watching WLA Sesquicentennial Scholar Scarlett make some traditional Mardi Gras cuisine with a recipe from Glos Polek, a publication of the Polish Women’s Alliance of America.WATCH
Democracy Limited: Chicago Women and the Vote
"Democracy Limited: Chicago Women and the Vote" is a Chicago History Museum digital exhibit launched in Fall 2020 and curated by LUC faculty member, Elizabeth Fraterrigo. We are pleased to share that an article on the cover of Glos Polek, a publication from the WLA's Polish Women's Alliance of America records, is also included in the exhibit. Click through to explore the exhibit and read the article.
2021 Color Our Collections
The WLA is once again participating in #ColorOurCollections February 1-5, 2021. Relax with FREE coloring books from archives and museums from around the world!
COVID-19 Update: February 1, 2021
For Spring 2021, WLA staff will be onsite as needed to fulfill digitization and remote research requests. The WLA may accept donated materials and collections with the Director’s approval. Please contact wlarchives@luc.edu for additional information.
Mundelein 90th Anniversary
2020 marked the 90th Anniversary of Mundelein College opening its doors to students. First presented at the Advent Vespers event on December 5, 2020, we're happy to share this slideshow of images of Mundelein through the decades.VIEW
Ask an Archivist Day 2020
#AskAnArchivist Day is an opportunity to learn about archives from archival professionals. Check out what WLA Director, Emily Reiher, had to say in response to your questions.WATCH VIDEO
Candlelighting at Mundelein
Do you remember the Candlelighting ceremony at Mundelein College? Sesquicentennial Scholar Regina investigated its changing tradition and created a video describing the event. View the video: "A Mundelein Christmas".WATCH VIDEO
End of Fall 2020 and Winter Break
Please note the following WLA hours & services for the remainder of the Fall 2020 semester through Winter Break:
• November 9-20: Open by appointment
• November 21-29 (Thanksgiving Week Break): CLOSED
• November 30-December 12 (Last Week of Classes and Finals Week): WLA staff will have their last day of physical access to the collections on Thursday, December 10 and will resume access in the new year. Please contact the Women and Leadership Archives at wlarchives@luc.edu with any digitization requests by Friday, December 4.
• December 13, 2020 - January 18, 2021 (Winter Break): Staff will be working to fulfill reference questions remotely between semesters, except during university holidays.
Hoellen Grant 2020
Thanks to the generosity of the Hoellen Family Foundation, the WLA is pleased to share several items that have undergone conservation treatment and digitization at the Conservation Center.
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Glos Polek Suffrage Articles
In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and thanks to the generosity of the Polish Women's Alliance of America (PWAA), the WLA is pleased to share English translations of select Glos Polek articles from 1913-1920 discussing suffrage and women's role in society. Glos Polek (The Polish Women's Voice) is a publication from the PWAA.
Share Your Story: Student Life at Mundelein
The WLA is launching the next round of “Share Your Story,” a project to expand and enrich our records of Mundelein College’s history, and we need your help! Through interviews with alumnae, we hope to gather memories, details, and stories about student life at Mundelein College. Priority will be given to members of the class of 1971, but all alumnae are welcome to submit their interest. Interviews will run approximately 45-60 minutes. Submissions will be collected through October 30, 2020. Initial interviews will take place September 30 – November 13, 2020. We look forward to hearing from you!PARTICIPATE
Access to Archival Materials: Fall 2020
Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Women and Leadership Archives and Loyola Archives & Special Collections staff have limited hours on campus according to the University’s policies on de-densification and social distancing.
COVID-19 Update: August 19, 2020
For Fall 2020, WLA staff will be onsite as needed to fulfill digitization and remote research requests. The WLA may accept donated materials and collections with the Director’s approval. Please contact wlarchives@luc.edu for additional information. LEARN MORE
Explore the WLA's Digital Collections on Preservica
The WLA's digital collections are now available on a new platform called Preservica. This tool allows us to manage digital collections for the long run by keeping secure backups and helping us to migrate formats over time as software changes. View fascinating documents, photographs, and artwork from the WLA's collections wherever you go!VIEW
Suffrage 2020
The WLA is dedicating 19 days to commemorating the 100th anniversary of the enactment of the 19th Amendment. Follow the WLA on Facebook (facebook.com/WLArchives), August 26-October 29, 2020, as we remember those who fought for women’s suffrage and the continuing journey towards a more equitable society. The 19 Days (and more) can also be found on the WLA website.
Sister Carol Frances Jegen, BVM Remembered
The WLA is saddened by the recent passing of Sister Carol Frances Jegen, BVM, an instrumental faculty member at Mundelein College for over 30 years.
Glos Polek Newspaper Now Available Online!
Glos Polek (The Polish Women's Voice), a publication from the Polish Women's Alliance of America, is now available online. Browse Glos Polek issues from 1902-2007 as part of the Women and Leadership Archives Digital Collections.GALLERY
Carolyn Farrell, BVM Remembered
Sister Carolyn Farrell, BVM, the last president of Mundelein College and founding director of the Gannon Center for Women and Leadership, passed away on June 14, 2020. The WLA remembers her leadership at Mundelein College and the Gannon Center.
Mundelein Timeline Updated
The Mundelein College Timeline has recently been updated with more photos and information. Follow the link for a more in-depth look at Mundelein over the years.VIEW
Organizing Your Personal and Family Archives: June 10, 2020
Did you miss the event? Follow the link to view the slides from the presentation: Organizing Your Personal and Family Archives. Emily Reiher, WLA Director, presented information about storing and handling items safely, encountering outdated formats, purchasing supplies, and managing digital items. LEARN MORE
Share Your Story: Student Life at Mundelein
The WLA is launching “Share Your Story,” a project to expand and enrich our records of Mundelein College’s history, and we need your help! Through interviews with alumnae, we hope to gather memories, details, and stories about student life at Mundelein College. Priority will be given to members of the class of 1970, but all alumnae are welcome to submit their interest. Interviews will run approximately 20-30 minutes. Submissions will be collected through July 31, 2020. Initial interviews will take place June 22 – August 21, 2020. We look forward to hearing from you!PARTICIPATE
PWA Preservation Project Update
The preservation project between the Polish Women's Alliance of America and the WLA is well underway! Read the latest update in the June 2020 issue of Fraternally Yours (Zenska Jednota), the official publication for the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association.READ
WLA 25th Highlighted in Salt Magazine, Winter 2020
The Women and Leadership Archives 25th Anniversary was highlighted in the latest edition of Salt (a magazine published for friends & family of the Sisters of Charity, BVM). Read the full issue here!READ
COVID-19 Update
March 18, 2020 Update: The WLA is closed to all onsite visitors until further notice. Please contact us at wlarchives@luc.edu with any questions or remote research requests.
Effective March 16, 2020, the Women and Leadership Archives will be operating by appointment only for the Loyola University Chicago community (faculty, students, and alumni). These researchers are encouraged to contact the WLA to see if virtual accommodations can be made or if an in-person visit is necessary. All other in-person visits and events will be postponed until further notice. WLA staff are available to conduct research, digitize items, and conduct other services to provide access to collections remotely. For more information, please contact the WLA at wlarchives@luc.edu. Follow the link for information regarding Loyola University Chicago’s response to COVID-19.LEARN MORE
The Past, Present, & Future of Feminist Spaces: POSTPONED
This event, sponsored by Loyola's Women's Studies & Gender Studies Program and Women & Children First bookstore, has been postponed until further notice.
Pop-Up Library at the WLA, Spring 2020: CANCELED
The remaining pop-up events in March and April have been canceled.MORE
Welcome the New WLA Director!
Please help us welcome Emily Reiher! Emily began as the Director of the Women and Leadership Archives (WLA) starting in January 2020.
2020 Spring Break Hours
The WLA will be open by appointment only during Loyola's spring break (March 2-6, 2020). Please call (773.508.8837) or email (WLArchives@luc.edu) to schedule a visit.
2020 Color Our Collections
The WLA is once again participating in Color Our Collections. From February 3-7, 2020, libraries, archives, and other cultural institutions around the world are sharing free coloring sheets based on materials in their collections. Please download, print, and share your favorites! Share your work with us using #ColorOurCollections and #COCWLA.PARTICIPATE
Spring 2020 Hours
*Effective March 16, 2020, the Women and Leadership Archives will be operating by appointment only for the Loyola University Chicago community (faculty, students, and alumni). See COVID-19 UPDATE in the News section for full details.* The WLA is open Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm during the spring semester (January 13-April 24, 2020). We will be closed January 20 and April 10 for holidays. Appointments are encouraged but not required. If you would like to visit the archives outside of our regular hours, please call 773.508.8837 or email WLArchives@luc.edu to schedule a visit.
Holiday Hours
The WLA will be open by appointment only December 9-20, 2019. Please call (773.508.8837) or email (wlarchives@luc.edu) to make an appointment. During Loyola's winter break, the WLA will be closed December 23, 2019 - January 3, 2020. We will reopen on January 6, 2020.
Women and Leadership Archives: The First 25 Years
When Mundelein College affiliated with neighboring Loyola University in 1991, Sister Carolyn Farrell, BVM, President of Mundelein, and others immediately began planning for a center at Loyola that would carry on Mundelein’s legacy of women’s education and leadership. As part of the future Gannon Center for Women and Leadership, Carolyn Farrell envisioned an archives that would care for Mundelein’s records and collect other valuable collections on women and leadership.
Open House Chicago 2019
For 110 years, Piper Hall has served as a home, coffeehouse, religious studies center, and archives - and you can come visit! As part the Chicago Architecture Center’s Open House Chicago, the Women and Leadership Archives welcomes you to beautiful Piper Hall at Loyola University Chicago. On October 19 and 20 from 10am-5pm, this historic white mansion on the lakeside will stand alongside hundreds of other architectural gems in the city for this annual event, along with Loyola's Mundelein Center and the Information Commons. We hope you'll include us on your list as you explore all that the city's neighborhoods have to offer. (Photo by Eric Allix Rogers)VISIT
Jean Fritz and the Chicago Seven Trial
Jean Fritz, a 51-year-old mother of three, found herself in the middle of one of the most publicized a controversial trial of her time. She spent four months sequestered in a hotel and separated from her family and the outside world as she, and the other eleven jurors, held the fate of seven young defendants in their hands.
WLA 25th Anniversary
In 2019, the Women and Leadership Archives is celebrating 25 years of collecting, preserving, and sharing women’s stories. Explore the links on this page to learn more about the WLA’s past achievements, collections, and upcoming events.
LYPW Polish Translation
We are happy to announce (just in time for the Legion's 80th anniversary this year!) that the Legion of Young Polish Women Digital Exhibit is now available in Polish! Follow the link to get access to the English and Polish versions of the digital exhibit.VIEW
Happy Birthday, Sister Jean!
Happy Birthday, Sister Jean! August 21, 2019, Sister Jean celebrates her 100th birthday! Enjoy a selection of photos of Sister Jean from her time at Mundelein College.PHOTO GALLERY
WLA 25th Anniversary Celebration
The WLA is celebrating 25 years! Join us on September 27, 2019, for refreshments, conversation, and exhibits as we look to the next 25 years of collecting and preserving women’s stories. REGISTER NOW
Loyola Awards Grant to Help Commemorate 150-Year History
Loyola has started initial planning for its 150th anniversary by documenting and digitizing its rich history. The grant will fund employment for four graduate students as Sesquicentennial Scholars in University Archives and Special Collections in Cudahy Library and the Women and Leadership Archives in Piper Hall.
Sister Jean: Back in the Day
Before the world fell in love with her, we knew Sister Jean (Jean Delores Schmidt, BVM) from her long career at Mundelein College.
WLA Blog
Do you like stories about fascinating people and archives? Our blog has you covered!
March is Women's History Month
Check out the calendar of events celebrating Women's History Month at Loyola.
Color Our Collections 2019
#ColorOurCollections is a week-long coloring fest on social media organized by libraries, archives, and other cultural institutions around the world. These institutions create and share free coloring books using materials from their collections.
Unsung Heroes in the History of STEM and Health Sciences
Sister Mary Therese Langerbeck, BVM, reportedly “the world’s first Sister-Doctor of Astrophysics” has been included in the Society of American Archivists list of "Unsung Heroes in the History of STEM and Health Sciences." Sr. Langerbeck taught physics at Mundelein College in Chicago from 1936-1970. (Photo: Sister Langerbeck with globe, n.d.)LEARN MORE
WLA closed January 30 & 31
Due to the predicted record-breaking frigid temps, the WLA will be closed Wednesday (1/30) and Thursday (1/31). Regular hours will resume on Friday (2/1). Stay warm!
Risk Versus Benefit
The Society of American Archivists awarded Nancy Freeman, recent WLA Director, honorable mention in the 2018 Archives Short Fiction Contest for her short story, "Risk Versus Benefit." READ MORE
Class visit at Water Tower Campus
On October 29, 2018, Nancy Freeman, WLA Director, visited COMM 402: Organizational Leadership and Change Management taught by Adjunct Faculty, Mary Hills. Nancy talked about archives and how to use archival collections. Although the class was offsite at the Water Tower Campus, a few archival collections travelled to class so students could work together in small groups to delve further into collections and analyze the content of the records.
Decking the Halls: Christmas Trees at Mundelein College
Here at the Women and Leadership Archives, we know the holidays are coming when the Christmas tree goes up outside Piper Hall. Christmastime at Mundelein College was equally festive, with plenty of opportunities for students to show off their decorating skills year after year. We hope you enjoy these photographs of Mundelein students decking the halls. You might even find some inspiration for your own holiday decorating!PHOTO GALLERY
Loyola Awards Grant to Help Commemorate 150-Year History
Loyola has started initial planning for its 150th anniversary by documenting and digitizing its rich history. The grant will fund employment for four graduate students as Sesquicentennial Scholars in University Archives and Special Collections in Cudahy Library and the Women and Leadership Archives in Piper Hall.
Introducing Voices From Mundelein: Media Portal
The WLA’s new portal features more than 30 interviews that allow listeners to discover the history of Mundelein College through the personal experiences of students, faculty, and staff. This resource, created by Loyola History PhD candidates Jenny Clay and Nathan Ellstrand, was funded through the LUC Libraries.LEARN MORE
Chicago’s History of Activism
The Women and Leadership Archives recently contributed materials to the Chicago Collections Consortium for a new online exhibit titled Place of Protest: Chicago’s Legacy of Dissent, Declaration, and Disruption.
Women of Noble Cause
Join us at Polish Museum of America for the official Chicago premiere of Women of Noble Cause on November 4, 2018.
Open House Chicago 2018
Join us for Open House Chicago! The Women and Leadership Archives welcomes you to beautiful Piper Hall at Loyola University Chicago as a part of the Chicago Architecture Center's annual event.
Adapt or Perish
The Women and Leadership Archives provided records to Gallery 400’s new exhibit, Chicago Disability Activism, Arts, and Design: 1970s to Today, which explores the disability rights movement in Chicago through the artwork of Chicago-based artists with disabilities.
Gannon Center Timeline
The Gannon Center for Women and Leadership celebrates its 25th anniversary this year! Visit the timeline to learn more about the history of the Gannon Center.
Visiting Archivist from Poland
Visiting Archivist from Poland
Sister Ann Ida Gannon Remembered
Sister Ann Ida Gannon, BVM, the longest serving President of Mundelein College from 1957-1975, passed away on June 3, 2018.
Polish Women's Alliance and WLA Preservation Project
The Polish Women's Alliance (PWA) and the Women and Leadership Archives (WLA) have teamed up for the PWA Preservation Project. The PWA is one of the oldest fraternal benefit societies founded by women to help them and those they care about establish financial security and economic independence. Click to learn more about ongoing fundraising efforts to preserve the PWA records at the WLA.
Chicago’s Innovative Sisters of Theater
Check out the latest post from the Lakefront Historian, a student-run public history blog from Chicago: A Reflection on the Mundelein College Drama Department.READ MORE
The Chicago Conspiracy Trial: One Juror’s Ordeal
The Chicago Conspiracy Trial: One Juror’s Ordeal
Happy Birthday, Sister Jean!
Sister Jean celebrates her 99th birthday on August 21, 2018. Send her a card to: Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM, c/o Campus Ministry, Loyola University Chicago, 1032 W. Sheridan Ave., Chicago, IL 60660. And follow the link to see more photos of Sister Jean from her time at Mundelein College.PHOTO GALLERY
Peace Studies Digital Exhibit
Oral histories tell the story of Peace Studies at Loyola University Chicago which was conceived out of an obligation to make a difference in the world. That responsibility was the primary mission of Mundelein College which launched the Peace Studies program in 1989 and brought it to Loyola when the two institutions affiliated in 1991. The scholars who made that transition happen tell the stories of their commitment to social justice, collective action, and scholarly rigor which has inspired the Peace Studies program from its birth at Mundelein College to its home at Loyola University Chicago.VIEW
Loyola's Women and Leadership Archives Captures Chicago's History of Activism
Nancy Freeman, WLA Director, was interviewed by Rebellious Magazine about MuCUBA (Mundelein College United Black Association), quiet leaders, and the stories told through archival materials.READ MORE
Congratulations, Kate!
One of the our graduate assistants at the WLA, Kate Johnson, is graduating May 2018 with an M.A. in Public History from Loyola University Chicago. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors! [Pictured: Kate Johnson and Nancy Freeman, WLA Director]
Suzanne Bost WLA Summer Research Grant Publication
Suzanne Bost, PhD, Professor of English and Graduate Program Director of Women's Studies and Gender Studies at Loyola, was the recipient of the 2015 Women and Leadership Archives (WLA) Summer Research Grant. Her research at the WLA culminated in the article, “Identity and Cross-Cultural Empathy: Writing to Sister Maryagnes Curran, O.S.F.” published in the Summer 2017 issue of Feminist Formations. READ MORE
Marie Skłodowska Curie: Piecing Together the Historical Puzzle
Thank you to everyone who attended the 5th Annual Focus on the Book: "Marie Skłodowska Curie: Piecing Together the Historical Puzzle" on October 26, 2017. Helena Pycior, Professor Emerita of the Department of History at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, presented an interesting program about Marie Skłodowska Curie, renowned scientist and twice Nobel Prize winner, became known as the “healer of cancer.” PHOTO GALLERY
Mundelein College Records Grant Completed!
The Women and Leadership Archives is pleased to announce completion of an Illinois State Records Advisory Board (ISHRAB) 2016-2017 grant. WLA received a $5,000 grant from ISHRAB to re-organize and make more accessible the records of Mundelein College. The College operated from 1930-1991 and when it closed, was the last all women’s college in Illinois. Loyola’s University Libraries and Gannon Center for Women also contributed funding to the project. Recent Loyola graduate, Caroline Gianakopulos, led the grant project and produced a finding aid, or road map, for the records of Mundelein College. Click here to see the finding aid. A big thank you to ISHRAB and Loyola’s University Libraries and Gannon Center for Women!VIEW
History Fair Students
We were happy to have a number of History Fair students research at the WLA this year. One pair of students created this documentary about the Equal Rights Amendment. Check it out here!WATCH VIDEO
Students, Scholars Explore African-American Archives in Chicago Libraries
The UChicago News article, "Students, Scholars Explore African-American Archives in Chicago Libraries" features Megan Naylor, Archie Motley Archival Intern at the WLA last year, along with a photo of her and Melanie Chambliss, current intern at the WLA. Megan and Melanie were both working with the Carol Moseley Braun collection at the WLA.READ MORE
120th Anniversary of the Founding of the Polish Women's Alliance of America
Sunday, April 29, 2018, celebrate the PWA 120th Anniversary with the WLA! A lunch and presentation of the WLA/PWA Preservation Project will take place in the Klarchek Information Commons 4th Floor. REGISTER NOW
Cesar Chavez: Loyola and Mundelein
Cesar Chavez: Loyola and Mundelein
Machinal Reception & Talk Back
THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018 Immediately following the 7:30PM performance • Mundelein, Palm Court, 4th Floor • Loyola Lake Shore Campus
Color Our Collections 2018
Color Our Collections 2018
Winter Break Hours
Winter Break Hours
Politics of the Pantry: Photos
Politics of the Pantry: Photos
Chicago Open Archives 2017: Hidden Stories
Chicago Open Archives 2017: Hidden Stories
Focus on the Book: Event Photos
October 26, 2017
Researching at the WLA
Want to know how to research at an archives? Find out how to use the Women and Leadership Archives (WLA) in this short video created by Graduate Assistant Ellen Bushong. Lu Wolf, mascot of Loyola University Chicago, experiences the archives first-hand and learns how to use our finding aids, navigate the WLA website, and how to properly handle documents, photos, journals, and much more!
Farewell, Megan
Good luck, Megan! We enjoyed having you at the WLA. Melanie Chambliss, BMRC Special Project Intern, will continue processing the Carol Moseley Braun papers. To find out more about Megan’s time at the WLA, please visit our blog. Learn more about the Black Metropolis Research Consortium at bmrc.lib.uchicago.edu.
BMRC Archie Motley Archival Intern at the WLA
This summer, the BMRC (Black Metropolis Research Consortium)continues, in its third iteration, the Archie Motley Archival Internship Program. This program is designed to provide students of color with opportunities to gain practical work experience in archives management, and to recruit students of color into the archives profession as a means to address the critical issue of the underrepresentation of people of color in the field. Megan Naylor has been named the Archie Motley Archival Intern for summer 2017. Naylor will process the records of Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun, which are housed by BMRC member institution, Loyola University Chicago within the Women in Leadership Archives.
Polish Women's Alliance of America Spring Luncheon & Fundraiser: May 21
Polish Women's Alliance of America Spring Luncheon & Fundraiser for the PWA Archives Preservation Project at Loyola University Chicago: Celebrating Women's Ethnic Voices Please join PWA Council 27 for an interesting event exploring women’s ethnic voices in journalism as we observe UNESCO World Press Freedom Day on Sunday, May 21, 2017.
Ramonat Scholar Final Colloquium
Ramonat scholar Final Colloquium
Women in Politics Event Highlights
Women in Politics Event Highlights
Women in Politics: Past & Present
Women in Politics: Past & Present
Celebrate Love with the WLA
Throughout February, the WLA will be highlighting materials in our collections that celebrate love in all of its various forms. As part of this celebration we will be posting audio recordings of WLA staff reading selections of some of those items on Facebook! Follow this link to our first post here. Be sure to follow us so you don't miss a post!
From the Mixed-up Files of the Mundelein College Collection
This year, the WLA received a $5,000 grant from the Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board (ISHRAB) to put towards the Mundelein College Paper Records Project. Recent LUC graduate, Caroline Gianakopulos has undertaken the task of processing and creating a finding aid of the paper records for the Mundelein Collection. The Mundelein College records document Illinois’ last all women’s college, that operated from 1930-1991.
WLA Receives ISHRAB Grant
The Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board (ISHRAB) awarded the Women and Leadership Archives a $5,000 Historical Records Preservation Grant. The grant will be put towards the Mundelein College Paper Records Project. Recent LUC graduate, Caroline Lynd Gianakopulos has been hired to create a finding aid of the paper records for the Mundelein Collection. The finding aid will be published online and cataloged into the world wide library catalog (OCLC). Mundelein College records document Illinois’ last all women’s college, that operated from 1930-1991. Click the image above for more information!
Women and Labor: The Story of Mollie West Lunchtime Program
Loyola’s Center for Textual Studies and Digital Humanities' second Fall 2016 lunchtime program is co-sponsored with the Women and Leadership Archives. The lunchtime program features the WLA's new digital exhibit: Women and Labor: The Story of Mollie West.
From Mundelein to Loyola: The Origins of the Peace Studies Program
In fall of 2014, Kathleen Maas Weigert, Ph.D., the first Carolyn Farrell, BVM, Professor, hired Kathleen Ermitage to undertake an oral history project to document the origins of the Loyola University Chicago Peace Studies Program. Its roots lay in Mundelein College, a woman’s college which the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary founded in 1930.
WLA Participating in Chicago Open Archives
Chicago Open Archives is a chance for the public to explore over thirty archives and cultural institutions around the city. During the three-day event, visitors can engage with history and have a chance to talk with archivists, librarians, and curators. The Women and Leadership Archives (WLA) is participating in Chicago Open Archives!This event is free of charge.
Find WLA content on the Chicago Collections Consoritum and the Catholic Research Resources Alliance
WLA Content on CCC and CRRA
The WLA Congratulates Parting Graduate Assistant
The WLA Congratulates Parting Graduate Assistant
Mary's Pence
On Saturday April 23, the organization Mary's Pence, held a reception at Piper Hall for their board meeting, staff, and supporters.
The WLA in BROAD Magazine
BROAD magazine March issue
Women in Science: Then and Now
Women in Science event
2016 Women's History Month Events at Loyola
March is women's history month! Celebrate and learn at these events taking place throughout the month!
Summer Research Grants 2016
Summer Research Grants 2016 information
Anthropology students learn about preservation at the WLA
The WLA had a recent visit from an Anthropology 396 class. Click to read about their experience.
History Fair Success for Emily Stevens
The WLA celebrates Emily Stevens, now a senior at Maine South High School. Emily researched at the WLA for the 2014-2015 season and experienced big successes, advancing to the state level and winning the Margaret Cross Norton Award for the Best Use of Primary Sources. Here’s more about Emily's topic and a chance to view her winning dramatic presentation!
Explore Chicago Collections
Do you love research, but don’t know where to start? Behold: Explore Chicago Collections.
Caring for Your Personal Photographs
There are guidelines that archivists closely follow when handling and storing photographs. You don’t have to be an archivist to follow these basic guidelines and ensure your photos last well into the future!
Family, friends, and the community celebrate the life of Mollie West
On October 3, people gathered at Piper Hall to remember the influential and inspiring leader of the Chicago labor movement.
New Exhibit at Harold Washington Library Features Chicago Historical Collections
From August 7 to November 15, see materials from the WLA and other archival repositories presented together to tell the stories of Chicago's past.
What is an archives and why should you care?
The WLA is participating in Archives Month by weekly features on the website and Facebook page. To get started, here is a post by Director Nancy Freeman, first published in September’s BROAD magazine.
Join us in celebrating the life of Mollie West on October 3.
A reception will be held on Saturday, October 3 to celebrate the life of the longtime leader of the Chicago Labor Movement and the Illinois Labor History Society, who passed away at the age of 99 on August 7.
Summer Research Grant Recipients Visit the WLA
The WLA has had a busy summer with visits from our two summer research grant recipients, Suzanne Bost and Jillian Plummer.
WLA Hours for 2015
See when the WLA is open, and start planning your visit.
WLA summer research grant recipients
The WLA is pleased to announce its 2015 Summer Research Grant Recipients, Suzanne Bost and Jillian Plummer. Click here to learn more!
WLA bids farewell to spring interns
Spring semester saw two undergraduate history honors students, Adam Mogilesky and Elyse Voyen, interning at the WLA. Click here to learn more about their experiences!
WLA congratulates our former graduate assistants
This summer, the WLA said goodbye to graduate assistants Jenny Pederson and Mollie Fullerton who graduated from Loyola's Public History Master's program in May.
Why is there an angel on our webpage?
Curious as to why there is an angel on the side of our page? Click here to learn more!
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Mundelein at 90 Project Update: April 2023
Over 1,700 photographs are now available on the Illinois Digital Archives, with more being added all the time! You can browse and search photos from the Mundelein College Collection that have previously only been available in the WLA reading room. Follow our project page for more updates!LEARN MORE