The Rebirth of Colorado Women’s College

Colorado Woman’s College was founded in 1888 but did not hold its first classes until 21 years later in 1909. The founder had hoped to establish a women’s college in the western United States that would obtain the prestige of one of the Seven Sister colleges in the East.

Facing financial difficulties, the college closed in 1982 and its assets were purchased by the University of Denver. The university renamed the institution the Women’s College of the University of Denver. In 2001, the women’s college was moved to the main campus and the Denver campus of Johnson & Wales University took over the former campus of Colorado Women’s College.

Now the university has decided to revert to the original name. Celebrating the institution’s 125th anniversary this year, the school will once again be called Colorado Women’s College

Lynn Gangone, dean of the college said, “Now we offer the best of both worlds: a women’s college with a historic legacy inside a really fabulous, state-of-the-art university. The University of Denver has a really strong commitment to the advancement of girls and women. What DU has accomplished in terms of maintaining the identity of this college and creating a space for women on campus is really extraordinary.”

In looking toward the future, Dean Gangone stated, “This is an opportunity to really elevate who we are, elevate the women we educate, and to welcome more fully two really important groups: the students and prospective students for whom having this identity and legacy will really make a difference. They are supported by thousands of alumnae — across the country and the world, extending through 125 years — who are joined again as part of one college.”