Author Archives: Kimberley

Why a Women’s College?: Famous Fictional Mawrters

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A few months ago, I was chatting with a Bryn Mawr alumna who’d come to visit campus with her daughter. She asked me how I felt about Bryn Mawr “alumna” Betty Draper Francis. Betty Draper Francis, class of 1951, is a Bryn Mawr graduate. She’s also a fictional character whose portrayal on the popular television show Mad Men has sparked controversy and debate among alumnae.

In reality, Bryn Mawr has impressive alumnae, among them a Nobel Peace Prize winner, journalists and authors, the geneticist credited with the discovery of X/Y chromosomes, a Hollywood icon, and the first female president of Harvard University.

The list of fictional Mawrters is imaginative. A popular campus quiz “Which fictional Mawrter are you?” states, Bryn Mawr’s “hallowed halls churn out a disproportionate number of fictional alumnae.” Listen closely and you can hear references to the College everywhere from Gossip Girl to Boardwalk Empire. Let’s take a look at some of our most notable fictional Mawrters:

Betty Draper Francis ’51 (Mad Men): I’ll start with the aforementioned Betty Draper. In season one of Mad Men, Betty was introduced as a former model hailing from Philadelphia’s Main Line. One imagines Betty’s time at Bryn Mawr might have included traditional teas and Ivy League mixers. The truest part of Betty’s origin story refers to her time studying abroad in Italy; study abroad is still a big part of the Bryn Mawr experience. Most avid viewers of Mad Men either love or hate this character. I agree that she’s imperfect but also written within the context of her time.Though Mad Men might not reflect a totally accurate view of the College, a real alumna did appear on the show. Maggie Siff ’96, portrayed recurring character Rachel Menken Katz during the show’s first two seasons.

Edna Krabappel (The Simpsons): In an episode titled “I’m Spelling as Fast as I Can,” Lisa Simpson dreams of attending one of the storied Seven Sister schools. As Lisa ponders her future, she imagines each Sister personified as a Greek goddess. Lisa didn’t have to go far to learn about Bryn Mawr—one of Springfield’s most recognized residents is a graduate. Edna Krabappel, Bart Simpson’s teacher and sometime nemesis, did her graduate study at Bryn Mawr. Though Mrs. Krabappel isn’t known for her sunny disposition (get it, crab apple?), she’s definitely an independent and assertive woman.

Lady Jaye ’81 (G.I. Joe): Lady Jaye holds the unique distinction of being the only Bryn Mawr alumna with her own action figure. She’s also presumably the only Mawrter who knows how to use a crossbow. Introduced in 1985 as part of the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toy line, Lady Jaye was the G.I. Joe team’s specialist in covert operations.

Liz Lemon ’92 (30 Rock): So, here’s Bryn Mawr’s most well-known fictional Mawrter. Watch reruns of 30 Rock, and you’re sure to see several nods to the College. Last year, there was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shout out to the Owls in the Wool Bowl against Hiram College in Ohio. Liz definitely embodies some true Bryn Mawr characteristics, like quirkiness and a great sense of humor. It would be nice, though, if she encouraged her co-workers to participate in some self governance!

While it’s always fun to debate whether fictional Mawrters demonstrate characteristics of a Bryn Mawr woman, I still think that the best resources are real life alums—check out a recent blog post by a Bryn Mawr grad, who shares her reflections on Reunion Weekend.

 

 

Addressing the pink suede elephant in the room: Why a women’s college?

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There’s no way around it — Bryn Mawr is a women’s college. No men attend Bryn Mawr as full-time undergraduate students. There are no football games or fraternity parties (or fraternities, for that matter). You’ll see guys on campus — Penn, Haverford, or Swarthmore students taking courses via our consortium or those pursuing a graduate degree.  But our undergrads are still all female. Out of nearly 4,000 colleges in the U.S., only about 50 are dedicated to educating women; we know that for some students this difference can provoke many questions. Over the next few months, we’ll have an ongoing discussion on the admissions blog about attending a women’s college. You’ll hear from Bryn Mawr students about their experiences and you’ll get a glimpse of life on campus. Let’s start the conversation by dispelling some of the most prevalent myths about women’s colleges:

A women’s college is like a finishing school.

Fact: Forget anything you saw in the movie Mona Lisa Smile; we love Ginnifer Goodwin and Kirsten Dunst, but the movie isn’t a primer for the modern Bryn Mawr experience. You won’t see anyone wearing white gloves or taking etiquette courses for credit. You will, however, find your peers wearing lab coats or spending a semester abroad.

Lots of women together= Drama.

Fact: This, unfortunately, is a cultural narrative around women. Women “can’t get along” and if you watch enough reality TV, you might actually believe this (we’re looking at you, Real Housewives). Bryn Mawr has a close knit community and Honor Codes that promote collaboration and personal empowerment over competition. We believe the only woman you should compete with is yourself and that your peers should inspire and encourage you.

A women’s college won’t prepare me for the real world.

Fact: We can’t think of a better place to help get you ready to make your mark on the world. The lessons you learn here will guide and inform you long after graduation. At Bryn Mawr, you will take an active role in creating or changing campus policies through our Self Governance Association by drafting resolutions based on what’s important to you. In the classroom, you will be challenged and challenge others. You can start clubs or take on experiential learning opportunities in the Philadelphia region through a Praxis placement. The skills acquired at Bryn Mawr ­— assertiveness, initiative, leadership, and using your voice for change — will undoubtedly serve you well.

There’s no social life at a women’s college.

Fact: At Bryn Mawr, we’ll provide the options and you’ll decide what to do with them. Any academic, extracurricular, or social opportunity you’d have elsewhere, you’ll have here. Bryn Mawr women take pride in being unique — there’s no one type of student here. We value diversity; women here represent every political view, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, socioeconomic status, race, and social interest.  Bryn Mawr’s campus is filled with bold, bright, and unabashedly true- to-themselves women. With a student body like ours, you’ll have a rich community to embrace you. Take note from Class of 1928 alumna, Hollywood legend, and style icon Katharine Hepburn — be absolutely fabulous in your own way and on your own terms.