The University of Toledo

Eberly Center History

A Brief History..

The history of The University of Toledo Center for Women began in 1977 with the creation of the Women's Advisory Committee, which had concerns about the status and treatment of women at UT and within the greater Toledo community. These concerns first resulted in the creation of an intra-University committee. After some debate, this "joint committee" made a proposal to expand the current services that the university offered women using a small amount of University funds matched by local sources. After being housed temporarily in University Hall, the Center for Women officially opened in Scott House in March of 1978.

In its first few years of operation, the center's services were geared mostly toward the Toledo community. Services such as counseling and refresher courses were available to all and focused on helping women return to school after time spent with family or in the workforce. Workshops and seminars such as the Brown Bag Lunch program focused on academics, career and personal planning. At this time, the center also offered refresher courses in many subjects, such as math, English, and science. With the advent of the Displaced Homemaker Program, the center became a vital resource for women rejoining the work force.

In 1980, the center was renamed the Catharine S. Eberly Center in honor of one of its first Advisory Board members. Catharine Eberly was a staunch supporter of the center and had served as the Chairwoman of its Advisory Committee until her death in an automobile accident in November of 1979.

In 1984, the center's Advisory Board recommended that the center expand services to target the university population as well. Ever since, the center has expanded its programs to include many different topics in order to reach different audiences and all programs and classes are free to UT students. The center also offers numerous scholarships to UT students and over the years many of these scholarships have been awarded to participants of Project Succeed Programs.

Over the next 20 years the programs have continued to evolve at the center but the vision and passion have stayed the same. With the help of a community Advisory Board, the center has been able to help empower thousands of people. 

In the last three years alone, the center has co-sponsored two Women's Summits, helped more than 200 women in transition through "A Woman's Success Series" and funded a mentoring program for students pursuing STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Medicine) degrees. Under the leadership of the Office of Equity, Diversity and Community Engagement the center will continue to expand its programming and meet the changing needs of its constituents.

Please call 419.530.8570 today to learn more!

Further Information...
Woman of the Year Award
Important People From our History
Scholarships
Statistics