Trailblazers

Trailblazers of Change: Celebrating 50 Years of Women at UVA and Madison House’s Growth

Trailblazers of Change: Celebrating 50 Years of Women at UVA and Madison House’s Growth

“We were really special and got a lot of attention, and we felt a responsibility to do something special,” explains Dr. Deborah Denno, reflecting on her experience as a member of UVA's first co-ed undergraduate class in 1974. The year 1970 was groundbreaking, marking the first time women were admitted to UVA’s undergraduate program. Now, in 2024, the 50th anniversary of that historic graduating class is being celebrated. Reflecting back on their time at UVA, alumnae Katherine Taylor, Karen Montgomery, and Connie Laudenschlager reminisce fondly how Madison House shaped their college experiences. Read more…