Ann Gilbert Wylie ’66

  • 1960s
A head shot of a woman with her hair pulled back, wearing a pearl necklace and a plum-colored jacket.

Wellesley opened my eyes to what was possible, both personally and professionally. In particular, I saw that it was reasonable to have a career and children. I took a course in anthropology as a sophomore. Not only did the professor tell us with pride that she had been called a witch, a metaphor for an independent mind that I remember to this day, but she also thought nothing of having a child mid-semester. After missing a few classes, she returned without comment. When I became pregnant as an assistant professor, I thought of her. She gave me courage to return after the birth of my son. Before tenure, I had two more children and one more after being promoted. Her example never left my mind. I only hope that I might have inspired students in my classes in the same way that she inspired me. I am grateful for her example.

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