A Historic Celebration
In fall 1971, 24 girls, all day students, enrolled at Governor Dummer Academy ending an over two-hundred year tradition as an all-boys institution. While there were a few brief periods of co-education in the 1800s, these girls were the first— the pioneers— who paved the way for the next 50 years of girls—Morse Flag winners, residence hall proctors, national award-winning artists, and three-season varsity athletes. Fifty years later, girls make up half the student community.
Join the Celebration
Beginning in May 2022 and culminating at Reunion 2023, we invite the entire Govs community to join us for a year of events, programs, and stories in honor of this important milestone and in celebration of the diverse community of students and graduates that has since followed. Convocation speakers. Class electives. Decade gatherings. Reflective panels. There are programs for everyone--students, parents, alumni, employees, and friends.
join us in celebration of 50 years of women at governor's
Mark your calendars for a series of Zoom events featuring Governor’s alumnae from different industries as they share their stories, challenges, and experiences in conversations moderated by Governor’s faculty. Learn more about 50 Years of Women at Governor's.
January 17 - Environmental Science: moderated by Lisa Borgatti P'26
VIEW RECORDING
January 24 - Writing & Journalism: moderated by Maud Hamovit P'09,'13
VIEW RECORDING
January 31 - Athletics: moderated by Bert McLain P'07,'09
VIEW RECORDING
February 7 - Arts: moderated by Belle Struck '94
VIEW RECORDING
reflecting on 50 years of women at the academy
May 17, 2022
Beginning 50 years ago, the advent of coeducation forever changed our school and continues to influence our community today. Guests shared their stories, experiences, and reflections on their time in Byfield and beyond. The program began with a historical context for coeducation in the early 70s led by Chair of the History Department Erin O'Connell, followed by personal reflections from several alumnae, including Carol Salloway '73, Lucy Armstrong '87, P'21,'23, Daria Grayer '00, Erin Hanlon '20 and facilitator-led breakout rooms for alumni reflections hosted by Carol Goldberg '76, Betsy Farrell '84, P'14,'17,'18,'22, Cathy Burgess '91, Julie O’Shaughnessey '05, Jean Bower '13, Carli Citrano '15 and others!
in Her Words
The 50 Women of Govs project shares the unique stories of Governor’s women— students, faculty, staff, and friends— and celebrates their courage and the challenges they faced, their hard work and the passions they discovered, their leadership and the impact they had on the Govs community. The project showcases the diversity of thought, backgrounds, and experiences of women who have called Byfield home over the last five decades.
Brooke Eaton '03
Financial Services
Newport, RI
I'm still very close with a lot of the friends I made at Govs. You meet these other young women at such an impressionable moment in your life, and you go through a lot of really impactful experiences together. It bonded us for life.
Brittany Perez '13
Veterinary Medicine
Philadelphia, PA
Having the opportunity to express myself through my own artistic ability and help choreograph material and lead in that way was truly amazing.
Marienna Murch '02
Law
Albany, California
Like Govs, the firm where I work has a strong commitment to public service. I try to show that there are different paths to finding your voice and place.
Amy (Russell) Bonnerot '89
New York, NY
Human Resources
I am grateful to Governor Dummer for instilling independence and a high level of expectation. I also loved the community feel.
Lynda Fitzgerald P’93,’00
Governor’s Faculty
Byfield, Massachusetts
My passion is for people to work hard, be honest, and be true to themselves.
Abby Katz '15
Portsmouth, NH
PhD Student
I am passionate about using food as a lens to talk about socio political issues impacting Black and Latinx/e youth.
Interested in being a part of the 50 Women of Govs project? Click here to learn more.
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