Women in History

Susan “Suze” Orman graduated from the School of Social Work in 1976 and went on to become an influential business icon, known for her financial advice, motivational speaking, writing, and television show. Suze is also the founder of the Suze Orman Financial Group. In 2009, she received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the U of I.The Women in History Wednesday content comes from the...

Terry Hite David joined the University of Illinois in 1968 as part of the Project 500 group. She played for the women’s volleyball team before Title IX was enacted. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1972, she left the university briefly but returned to complete her master’s degree in administration in 1975. During her master’s studies, Terry became the head coach of the...

Alyce Cheska began working in Kinesiology and Community Health at the University of Illinois in 1966, serving as Head of the Women’s Physical Education Department until 1970. She also held an affiliate professor role in Anthropology, focusing on the anthropology of play and sport, before retiring in 1987. Alyce was the first female faculty representative for athletics to the Big Ten Conference...

Beth Dohme Wallin graduated with a degree in Home Economics in 1961. She was actively involved in student organizations like Alpha Lambda Delta, Omicron Nu, Torch, Psi Upsilon Omicron, and Mortar Board, and was President of the Panhellenic Council, receiving “Outstanding Greek of the Year” in 1960. Beth graduated with honors but tragically died in a plane crash in 1969. An annual award is given...

Carol Lee graduated in 1966 with a degree in Secondary Education, specializing in English. She has been pivotal in supporting minority students, helping to establish the Institute of Positive Education, Betty Shabazz International Charter School, Barbara A. Sizemore Academy, and Du Sable Leadership Academy. Carol taught in the Chicago Public Schools and is now the Edwina S. Tarry Professor of...

Carol Moseley Braun attended the University of Illinois in the 1960s, but ultimately received her degree in Political Science from the University of Illinois-Chicago in 1969. She became the first female African American Senator to the United States Congress, serving from 1993 to 1999. The Women in History Wednesday content comes from the Illinois 150 for...

Doris Kelley Christopher graduated in 1967 with a degree in Home Economics. She is the founder and chairman of The Pampered Chef and serves as a Director on the University of Illinois Foundation Board. Her contributions led to the creation of Doris Kelley Christopher Hall, which supports food and family programs and houses The Autism Program (TAP). Doris has received several awards, including the...

Gayl S. Pyatt graduated from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 1964. She later became the first female president of the UI Foundation and received the Foundation’s President’s Award for Service in 1995. In addition to her work with the UI Foundation, she has also been involved in the UI Alumni Association as a lifetime member. She received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1997. During...

Greta Hogan joined the Office of Minority Student Affairs (OMSA) around 1965. She was renowned for her dedication to supporting African American, Latina/Latino, American Indian, first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students. Greta retired in 2000 after 35 years of service to the University of Illinois. The Women in History Wednesday content comes from the...

Jane Loeb joined the Psychology Department in 1968 and retired as a Professor of Educational Psychology and Psychology. She held key administrative roles, including Director of Admissions and Records, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and Associate Vice Chancellor for Undergraduate Education. Jane was pivotal in breaking the glass ceiling for female faculty at the University.