From the moment the University of Illinois was founded in 1867, women have advocated for a seat at the table. In 1870, the Board of Trustees voted to admit women to the University. Since then, women at U of I have accomplished great things. In celebration of the sesquicentennial, the University Library and the Gender Equity Council have created this website highlighting women who have made significant achievements during their time at the University either as students, staff, faculty, or alumni.


Katharine L. Sharp

Before 1900s

Maudelle Brown Bousfield

1900 - 1910

Fanny Cook Gates

1910 - 1920

Florence Bell Robinson

1920 - 1930

Helene Ruth Foellinger

1930 - 1940

Rosalyn Sussman Yalow

1940 - 1950

Wilma Vaught

1950 - 1960

Carol Moseley Braun

1960 -1970

Annette Lu

1970 -1980

Sharon Hedrick

1980 -1990

Reshma Saujani

1990 - 2000

zahra mohaghegh

After 2000