Women at the Helm
The Woman's Board has helped shape Westminster for over a century
by Allyson Austin
In 1903, women didn’t have the right to vote in America but, in Salt Lake City, 11 women sat around a table to discuss how they would guide the fundraising efforts to construct a women’s building on what would become Westminster’s campus. Not only would they lead the campaign for this building, but they would also oversee its construction. At the head of the table was Jeannette Ferry, the driving force behind her husband's decision to purchase the land where both the women’s building and Westminster’s first dedicated building for the college would be constructed.
One hundred twenty years later, the Woman’s Board of Westminster stands as a testament to the pivotal role of women in Westminster’s history. In the years since its founding, the Woman’s Board expanded its fundraising efforts, becoming one of Westminster’s most important sources of funding. The first Silver Tea took place in the spring of 1916, and it quickly became one of the board’s most successful events.
The Silver Tea continues to be a special tradition for members, many of whom collaborate with their daughters and granddaughters to host the annual event.
“My mother, Dorothy Field, was a member of the Woman’s Board for many years,” says current board member Pat Curtis. “From the time I was little, we would always help with the Silver Tea.”
From backing a new Domestic Science Department in 1915 to purchasing Westminster’s first computers decades later, contributions from the Woman’s Board have played a vital role in shaping Westminster.
For Vivian Latham (’75), appreciation for the work of the board was instilled at an early age by her mother’s dedication.
“This is only my second year on the board, but I feel like I’ve been participating all along because my mom was a member,” she says. “Knowing the work that they do and that my mother enjoyed it so much inspired me to get involved.”
One of the board’s largest fundraising efforts is The Woman’s Board Scholarship Fund, a permanently endowed scholarship that has helped numerous students pursue a Westminster education. Ginny Hughes, who has been a member of the Woman’s Board for nearly 30 years, believes that this is one of the most important efforts of the board.
“I love the growth in the number of students we’ve been able to support with our scholarship funds,” says Hughes. “I think there’s more emphasis now on providing support for the students. Members are eager to support those efforts.”
Associate board member Cathie Meldrum became involved with the board at the invitation of her mother-in-law, a member for over 30 years. The youngest of six children, Meldrum was able to attend college because of a scholarship, so the board’s mission to raise money for Westminster scholarships resonates particularly strongly with her. Upon joining, Meldrum found a system of support as members helped each other lead, organize, and manage meetings and events.
“The women are all willing to help you, stand behind you, and cheer you on,” says Meldrum, adding that members are all focused on the purpose of their efforts. “This isn’t just for fun. This is hard work. We really love helping Westminster.”
About the Westminster Review
The Westminster Review is Westminster University’s bi-annual alumni magazine that is distributed to alumni and community members. Each issue aims to keep alumni updated on campus current events and highlights the accomplishments of current students, professors, and Westminster alum.
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