Women's History Month

March 11, 2024

Dear Wolf Pack Family,

March is Women’s History Month and this could not be a more timely commemoration given that this is also the University’s sesquicentennial. As we have learned already through our celebration of the University’s 150th anniversary, there are aspects to history that we are still discovering – we are still learning of individuals who might have otherwise been lost to time. The stories of their experiences enrich our understanding of what our University once was, and what is still attempting to attain even today.

Recently an important addition was made to our interactive University timeline from our team at the University Libraries. In 1892, Blanche Davis became the first woman to graduate from the University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree. On June 10, 1892, the Nevada State Journal, in recounting the University’s fourth Commencement Exercises (“… which adorns the brow of the hill overlooking the pretty city of Reno …”) wrote that Blanche had impressed those assembled for Commencement with the reading of her graduation essay, “Growth of Poetry in America.”

“The University may rest assured that Miss Davis will prove an honor to the institution,” the Journal wrote. “The reading of the essay was faultless.”

There are so many women like Blanche Davis who are part of our University’s story. These Nevada women made history and it is important that we use Women’s History Month as an opportunity to learn more about the experiences of women throughout the history of our University, our state, our country and our world. We can start through conversations, with intent listening to the experiences, perspectives and the aspirations of women. And, we must find ways to stand with and support all women in all fields of endeavor. To amplify the voices and stories of women is to advance the effort for women’s rights. This work strengthens us and our University in every way.

And whenever we speak of Blanche Davis and her graduation in 1892, we can do so knowing that she belongs to our history. Let us celebrate her story, and the story of all women, in the days and weeks to come.

Go Pack!

Sincere regards,

Brian Sandoval
President