Address to the First Graduating Class of Rutgers Female College

Delivered to the inaugural class of a pioneering women’s college in 1867, this address captures a moment when ambition and reform converged. The speaker, the institution’s president, reflects on the modest beginnings of the school in 1839 and celebrates the progress that has transformed it into a full‑fledged college, marking a milestone for both the graduates and the broader movement for women’s education.

The heart of the speech is a thoughtful defense of gender equality, rooted in both reason and Christian theology. It argues that if women are equal to men, they deserve an education of equal quality, and if they possess distinct gifts, those should be cultivated without implying inferiority. The orator weaves scriptural references with contemporary debates, presenting a vision of a society where women’s talents are fully realized.

Listening to this historic lecture offers a window into the ideals and challenges of the era, revealing the intellectual rigor and moral conviction that propelled early advocates for women’s higher learning.