Founded in 1965, the Women’s Society of Washington University was established to enhance mutual understanding and interaction between the University and the St. Louis community. Today, over 600 members of the Women’s Society serve as the University’s ambassadors in the community and also provide unique services to students on the Washington University campus.

The Women’s Society of Washington University carries out its mission of service to the community and the University through its support of University programs, scholarships, and lectures. To forward its mission, the Women’s Society initiated in 1966 several small businesses to serve students, faculty, and staff. Bear Necessities Shop, located in Wohl Center, is now thriving both as a valuable service and as an enterprise that supplies a large portion of the proceeds needed to support scholarships and sponsor special projects.

The Women's Society has taken many significant steps to solidify the relationship between St. Louis and the University. In 1976, the Women’s Society established a scholarship endowment, which funds annual two-year, full-tuition scholarships for students transferring from the St. Louis Community College. This scholarship was later renamed the Elizabeth Gray Danforth Scholarship Endowment in honor of Mrs. William H. Danforth’s 24 years of service to the University as first lady. Also supported by the Women’s Society are the "Town and Gown" lecture series, which features distinguished Washington University faculty, the annual Adele Chomeau Starbird Lecture, which features an accomplished woman of national prominence, and the Harriet K. Switzer Leadership Award, which recognizes graduating senior women.

The Women's Society continues to enhance its support of students and programs at Washington University through its funding of many campus projects. In 2007-08, the Women’s Society granted approximately $18,000 to thirteen University projects, including

• Community Service Office: Service First 2008
• Department of Music: Lizzie Borden by Jack Beeson
• Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum: Student Docent Program
• Office for International Students and Scholars: Chancellor's Reception
• Social Work: Annual Buder Pow Wow
• African Film Festival
• ArtSci Council: Evenings at the St. Louis Symphony
• Dance Marathon 2008
• Give Thanks Give Back 2008
• Relay for Life 2008
• Sexual Assault and Rape Anonymous Helpline
• Society of Women Engineers: Women in Engineering Day
• Women’s Leadership Training Institute

For over 40 years, the Women's Society has benefited Washington University and the community through its support of scholarships, University programs, and lectures, and has continued over the years to expand and enhance its services.

Milestones

1965 — Established The Women's Society of Washington University (WSWU).

1966 — Opened Bear Necessities Shop, which began providing funds for scholarship and WU student projects.

1976 — Established the Women's Society Scholarship, an annual two-year full tuition scholarship, awarded to outstanding St. Louis Community College students (now known as the Elizabeth Gray Danforth Scholarship).

1986 — Initiated the "Town & Gown" Lecture Series for WSWU members, featuring Washington University's talented faculty.

1988 — Established the Adele Starbird Lecture, featuring a nationally renowned speaker each year in honor of Adele Chomeau Starbird, Washington University’s Dean of Women from 1931-1959.

1998 — Initiated the Women's Society Leadership Award for outstanding senior women (now known as the Harriet K. Switzer Leadership Award).

2004 — Launched the annual "Composing a Life" panel event for women students- - how to combine family, social, community, and professional activities into a cohesive whole.

2005 — The EGD Scholarship Endowment reached a market value of over $2 million.

2007 — Awarded two full tuition Elizabeth Gray Danforth scholarships.

As of June, 2007 The Women’s Society:

• Awarded 34 full tuition scholarships to St. Louis Community College graduates
• Presented 15 leadership awards to graduating senior women
• Provided a total of $289,618 in funding grants to WU student projects (since 1988), and
• Has over 600 members and continues to seek new ways to be involved and to give greater service.