Honoring the past, building the future

In the 150 years since Wellesley College opened its doors to 314 students on September 8, 1875, it has been a force for progress and change for women, and for people everywhere.

At the time of Wellesley’s founding, the United States was not yet a society that viewed women as equal to men in their humanity and dignity. Wellesley founders Pauline and Henry Fowle Durant saw higher education for women as one of the most effective ways to achieve social transformation and create a better world.

History has proven them right, and over the past 150 years Wellesley has stayed true to its founding mission to educate women who will make a difference.

Celebrations of this impressive milestone will kick off at Reunion 2025 and continue throughout the 2025–26 academic year. We will honor the enduring mission of the College while looking to the future—exploring the many ways the Wellesley community is making the world a better place. We invite all members of the community to join us by sharing your own Wellesley story, participating in the Sed Ministrare service challenge, and taking part in the multitude of events we will be hosting to celebrate Wellesley at 150 throughout the year.

Wellesley at 150 Join us!

  • Stack of Now and Ever books

    The book

    Now & Ever: 150 Years of Making a Difference is a keepsake book filled with photos and stories that commemorate trailblazing alumnae, beloved faculty, and major College milestones.

  • A group photo of students at Community Servings, a Boston nonprofit that cooks and delivers food

    The Sed Ministrare service challenge

    Non Ministrari sed Ministrare! Join students, alumnae, faculty, and other members of Wellesley’s global community in completing 150,000 collective hours of service.

  • A crowd sits in chairs watching a lecture

    The gatherings

    We’re honoring Wellesley’s 150th anniversary with celebrations, connection, and conversation. See old friends, meet new ones, and learn how the College and its community are a force for progress and change in the world.