Fonds UA-32 - Dalhousie Alumni Association fonds

In March 1909 the alumnae decided to branch off from the Dalhousie Alumni Association, choosing the university’s first female graduate, Margaret Newcombe Trueman (Class of 1885), as their honorary president, and Jean F. Forrest (the daughter of President John Forrest) as president. Although it was bandied about that the move was made because alumnae were reluctant to enter the hall where the (male dominated) association held its annual meeting and follow-up “smoker” or dinner, in truth the women wanted to focus their fundraising efforts on a much-needed residence for female students. By September 1912 they had raised enough money though countless bazaars, musical teas and lectures to rent and furnish a house at 101 Morris Street, with Eliza Ritchie acting as an unpaid warden. In 1914 the Board of Governors agreed to provide $20,000 for a permanent women's residence if the Alumnae Association could raise another $10,000. The advent of World War One put this idea on hold, and in 1918 a generous gift from Jennie Shirreff Eddy obviated the need for their money. Instead, the Alumnae Association furnished the library and reception area in the new residence and refocused its fundraising efforts on providing loans and bursaries for women.

In 1947 the Alumnae Association merged with the Alumni Association and formed a Women's Division to continue advocating on behalf of female students and graduates. In addition to providing financial support for students, their fundraising efforts—which included the still successful annual Student Musicale—was primarily put to use in maintaining and improving Shirreff Hall. In 2024 the division was rebranded as the Dalhousie Alumni Association, Women's Connection.