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 invited 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.
CELEBRATING 50 years of women at govs
The Academy hosted a series of Zoom events this winter featuring Govs alumnae from different industries, who shared their stories, challenges, and experiences in conversations moderated by Govs faculty.
January 17 - Environmental Science: moderated by Lisa Borgatti P'26
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January 24 - Writing & Journalism: moderated by Maud Hamovit P'09,'13
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January 31 - Athletics: moderated by Bert McLain P'07,'09
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February 7 - Arts: moderated by Belle Struck '94
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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!
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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.
Elizabeth Ruhl, Govs Faculty
Education
Beverly Farms, MA
For me, being an advisor is one of the most important jobs at Govs. It is what I look forward to most.
Linda Miller '79
Education
New Milford, CT
The sports program was huge for me. I hadn't really participated in sports up to that point because there weren't many options for girls.
Pam Post '75
Healthcare
Waldoboro, ME
I'm so grateful for the writing skills I learned at Govs. I based my career on my ability to communicate and write really well.
Keara Thomas '07
Merchandising
Portsmouth, NH
When I started, I was the only girl in my class to join, and I was joining an undefeated, older team. All of them were so warm and welcoming.
Laurel E. Abusamra, Faculty Emerita
Education
Brentwood, NH
The friendly, serious, ever-challenging academic and social community into which she had entered allowed her the freedom to demonstrate her talents.
Meredith McPherron ‘85
Venture Capitalism
Weston, MA
For me, the academics felt very personalized and attentive because I was allowed to extend my curiosity and dive into topics, yet the faculty were always there to help in areas of struggle and cheer for me where I excelled.
NEWS
A Legacy Honored
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about A Legacy Honored
That Kind of Character: A History of Resilience & Determination in Govs Girls Athletics
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about That Kind of Character: A History of Resilience & Determination in Govs Girls Athletics
Taking Action with Jackie Downing ‘98
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about Taking Action with Jackie Downing ‘98