Nothing like a Dame

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In 1975, the Technology Matrons changed their name to the Women's League; 11 years later, the league opened its doors to all women in the MIT community, married or not. The league's current chair, Kate Baty, believes that she may be the first chair who is not the wife of a faculty or staff member. (Her husband earned three MIT degrees.)

Although the first Technology Matrons might have been surprised to see how women's roles have evolved, they'd probably also have been proud that today's Women's League upholds many of the traditions of its predecessor. It still sponsors talks--including the annual panels "Aging Successfully," which features MIT Medical staff, and "Critical Issues," which examines such topics as "The Greening of MIT"--and it still runs the Furniture Exchange. Since 1995, the league has also held an annual Fashion Night, allowing students to pick up clothing suitable for interviews and winter weather. And it still meets in the Emma Rogers Room, just behind the tops of the pillars that support the front of Building 10--the room dedicated for the Technology Matrons' use in 1916.

Much like its ancestor, the league takes pride in meeting the changing needs of the community. When Baty is asked what she foresees in its future, she says, "I don't foresee changes, because I don't know what's going to happen in the world. Whatever will happen, the Women's League will be at the forefront, responding and offering support."