Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women

Eberly Center 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 UToledo 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 and programs to target the university population as well. By including many different topics and making all programs and classes to UToledo students. The center also began offering numerous scholarships to UToledo students and over the years many of these scholarships have been awarded to participants.

Today, the Eberly Center continues to provide high-impact and innovative programs and initiatives that advance women and gender minorities at The University of Toledo and surrounding Toledo Area.

Please call 419.530.8570 today to learn more!

The ECW Canaday Center Archives located on the 5th Floor of Carlson Library.
The ECW Archive collection contains 17 linear feet of records dating from 1974 to 2012.  The collection is available to scholars and researchers.  Records include minutes of advisory board meetings, memoranda, annual reports, newsletters, publicity materials, grant applications and awards, and program evaluations.

 

 

Last Updated: 6/27/22