Alumnae Association History

Purpose
The Wellesley College Alumnae Association (WCAA) is an independent organization that was chartered in 1880 and incorporated in 1916. The original WCAA structure followed the traditional format shared by all alumnae associations of the Seven Sisters colleges at that time.

Mission
The mission of the WCAA is to "further the interests of Wellesley College and its alumnae by connecting alumnae to the College and to each other. The Association serves as a lifelong resource to alumnae and encourages alumnae to contribute to the continued excellence of the College."*
*from the bylaws of the WCAA, as amended in June 1998

Membership
The Association numbers nearly 34,000. It includes:

• active members: graduates of Wellesley College, former students who were degree candidates for at least one term and whose classes have graduated, and degree candidates who left in honorable circumstances before completing one term and request membership in the Association after their classes have graduated
• associate members: non-degree candidates who request enrollment and Continuing Education/Davis Scholars who completed three courses before leaving the program and who request enrollment
• honorary members: members nominated by the board of directors and elected at the Association's annual meeting

All active members may run for office, vote in elections, and receive Wellesley, the alumnae magazine, free of charge. In addition, they may participate in a variety of programs and volunteer opportunities.