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.
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.
Siobhan McDonough '13
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about Siobhan McDonough '13
Nina McElroy '76
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about Nina McElroy '76
Naomi Fink '99
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about Naomi Fink '99
Elea Kemler '83
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about Elea Kemler '83
Dottie Bragdon
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about Dottie Bragdon
Abby (Harris) Shaffo '08
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about Abby (Harris) Shaffo '08
Interested in being a part of the 50 Women of Govs project? Click here to learn more.
NEWS
50 Years of Women at Govs
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about 50 Years of Women at Govs
Senior Lily Shannon Reaches 100 Point Milestone, Joining Illustrious Group of Govs Hockey Alums
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about Senior Lily Shannon Reaches 100 Point Milestone, Joining Illustrious Group of Govs Hockey Alums
The Elaine White P’16, ’21 Endowed Fund for Faculty Innovation
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about The Elaine White P’16, ’21 Endowed Fund for Faculty Innovation