Hartford College for Women Newsletter

Greetings Hartford College for Women Community, Reunited

I am delighted to present you with the premiere edition of the Hartford College for Women newsletter. This publication aims to maintain your connection to our extraordinary community of women, as well as to today’s students. Together, we will celebrate the illustrious legacy of Hartford College for Women.

As an alumna from the Class of 1965, I treasure the many memories of my time at Hartford College for Women. The exceptional professors, the broadening of my horizons, and the lifelong friendships are just a few of the highlights.

I always have immense pride in knowing that the legacy of Hartford College in Women lives on through The Women’s Advancement Initiative at the University of Hartford. I encourage you to enjoy this inaugural issue and stay connected to the legacy that empowers us all.

Warmest regards,

Karen Gibbs Orefice '65 (HCW) Executive Board Member | The Women’s

Advancement

Initiative LEAD Student Sponsor

Planning Committee

Nancy Kinsley Barrett ’57

Karen Gibbs Orefice ’65

Rosanne Casale-Daigneault ’66

Carole Franco ’68

Rebecca Friedman Danchak ’70

Jan Zaleski Klein ’70

Pat McKinley ’72

Joan Pritchard ’74

Kim Farrington ’81

Sue Ellsworth ’81

Lynn Thibodeau ’91

Kim Barberi ’99, ’02

Claire Bergin ’03

Thank you to all that joined us last September as we celebrated the 90th anniversary of Hartford College for Women and “90 Years of Educating Women in Hartford.” We appreciate you and the hard work of the staff and 90th Anniversary Planning Committee.

Butterworth Hall, painted by Karen Gibbs Orefice '65 (HCW)

Alumna Spotlight

Dr. Althea Bates '95 (HCW)

Althea fondly remembers her days at Hartford College for Women. She was a resident assistant, lived on campus her sophomore year in Butterworth Hall, spent late nights writing papers in the computer lab with music playing in the background, and visited dorms for late night pizza and catch-up sessions with classmates. She recalls the many caring and passionate professors who inspired and encouraged greatness from all students.

empowered while exploring feminist viewpoints and perspectives through experiences and education. I learned to portray and project who I was confidently to the world in my Communication 101 course.”

“My experience at Hartford College for Women was exactly what I needed as a young woman unsure of my place in the world,” she shares. “I wanted to be and feel

Empowering others became her lifelong passion. After graduating from Hartford College for Women, she received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Temple University, a master’s degree from Springfield College in human services with a concentration in organizational management and leadership, and a doctoral degree in public service leadership from Capella University. She also earned a doctorate in divinity from Heart Bible Institute.

My experience at Hartford College for Women was exactly what I needed as a young woman unsure of my place in the world.”

For nearly 20 years, she has worked in social services and workforce development. Today, she is a CEO, executive life strategist, health, wellness and resiliency coach, author, motivational speaker, and a nonprofit thought leader focused on women’s empowerment and advocacy, youth development, and workforce development.

Althea serves on the Lieutenant Governor’s Council for Women and Girls, Health and Public Safety Committee; the Connecticut Council for Women and Girls; and the Connecticut CROWN Act Coalition.

She shares her enthusiasm to be a change agent with students in The Women’s Advancement Initiative’s LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) program.

Althea recently facilitated a LEAD session where participants were asked to share common challenges that women face, encouraged to let their light shine through despite doubt, and inspired to demonstrate self-love with positive affirmations.

When asked what advice she would give to her college-age self, she couldn’t help but reflect on her time at Hartford College for Women.

“You have enough power within you to set the world ablaze. Be bold, be brave, and, most of all, don’t settle for any less than you are worth,” she says.

If you are interested in connecting with Dr. Althea Bates, email projectresiliencymovement@gmail.com.

Dorothy was a librarian and teacher in the Hartford public school system for nearly 30 years and the first librarian for Annie Fisher School. She was also an active member of many historical associations. She passed away on May 20, 2002, in Fairfax, Virginia.

In 2021, to honor her mother’s commitment to education and affiliation with Hartford College for Women, Dorothy’s daughter,

Jean Conrad, established the Dorothy Mylchreest Redmond Endowed Fund to benefit The Women’s Advancement Initiative’s LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) program. The fund supports programming for today’s women students. Thank you to Scott Redmond, Dorothy’s grandson and Jean’s nephew, for his help to establish this fund.

Dorothy Mylchreest Redmond ’36

“For my first year of college, I lived at home and went to Mount Holyoke in Hartford. Twenty-four girls were inseparable, united with work, and played very hard. I felt it a great honor that the girls elected me president of the class. It meant lots of hard work, experience, and good fun. We did amazing things together but the crowning feat was a play acted, directed, costumed, and staged by us for President Woolley. We even managed a formal (and successful) dance for ourselves. We had our own college life and not one of us regrets that year when we could not go away for college.”

Milestone Class Reunion - October 6, 2024

Honoring the Classes of 1964, 1974, 1984, 1994, and 2003-04

young women were the first students to attend Mount Holyoke in Hartford in 1933

The only private two-year school to be rated