The Whole World Goes to Hunter: Creating a Culture of Excellence and Activism, 1870-1964

Hunter College was established in 1870 as the Female Normal College and High School. Its purpose was to educate teachers for the children of New York, then the most populous city of the United States. Hunter was distinct from all other women's colleges because it was open to all the girls of the city who were able to pass an achievement test, and it provided free tuition for all. By 1920, it was the largest women's college in the world. Hunter students expected to work following graduation and counted on their studies to provide them with skills to attain jobs. While many became teachers, others were interested in a variety of occupations. The college provided them with vocational guidance. It also offered a variety of student clubs, theater and music groups, athletics, and social service opportunities. Student newspapers, literary publications, and the yearbook gave students writing and publishing experience. Among Hunter's notable graduates profiled here are Julia Richman, Pauli Murray, Gertrude Elion, Rosalyn Yalow, Pearl Primus, Bella Abzug, Ruby Dee, and Mildred Dresselhaus.