In a defining moment on April 22, 1945, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute marked a significant milestone in its 200-year history: the graduation of its first female students. Mary Ellen Rathbun and Lois Graham, were those groundbreaking graduates. In an era reshaped by World War II, and as society reevaluated gender roles, their achievement was more than just personal; it was transformative for RPI and society at large.

Moving on professionally to become role models and in Graham’s case, a mentor at Illinois Institute of Technology, their graduation symbolized not just academic excellence, but the dawning of a new era of inclusivity at RPI – a pivot that would lay the groundwork for future generations of women in STEM fields. As we celebrate 200 years of trailblazing firsts, we honor Lois Graham and Mary Ellen Rathbun and their courage.

Their achievements are woven into the rich tapestry of RPI’s legacy and they continue to inspire a more diverse, equitable, and innovative future for us all.

In the annals of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s 200-year enriched history, the year 1947 heralded a seminal moment of academic evolution. It was the year when the realms of chemistry witnessed a groundbreaking feminine prowess. Antoinette A. Patti, a name destined to be etched in the institute’s legacy, ascended to a scholarly pinnacle no woman at Rensselaer had reached before. With a blend of intellect, diligence, and grace, she soared through the scholastic firmament to grasp a Master’s Degree in Chemistry, becoming the inaugural woman to do so at Rensselaer. This was not merely a personal achievement, but a monumental stride for gender inclusivity in academia, heralding a new chapter where the blend of academic rigor and gender diversity at Rensselaer became a beacon of progressive education. The indelible mark Antoinette A. Patti left reverberates through time, making the Class of 1947 a landmark cohort in Rensselaer’s illustrious journey toward academic inclusiveness and excellence.

On August 5, 1948, amidst the echoes of camaraderie at the XIV Olympiad in London, the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s lacrosse team, helmed by Coach Ned Harkness, etched a remarkable chapter in the school’s 200-year history. With a zealous display of athletic prowess at the iconic Wembley Stadium, they locked horns with the All-England team, culminating in a spirited tie that left the audience enthralled. Their journey across England that summer was a victorious odyssey, returning to the states undefeated. Beyond a game, it was a moment of international representation, as RPI’s Lacrosse team donned the mantle of the United States in the Olympics, extending the institute’s legacy to a global athletic stage.