Paving the Way for Women

The University has a long, proud history of graduating women who are making a true difference in the world. And we have Agnes to thank for setting the stage for their success. She cleared a path of opportunity that helped change the face of the healthcare profession. Today, three out of four of our undergraduates are women, a fact that would have been hard to imagine before she arrived on the scene.

Shortly after commencement in 1892, she passed the state examination and received her license to practice. She was an active member of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy Women’s Club (also known as the Daughters of Pharmacy), which flourished throughout the early 1900s, and even served as its president in 1904. Her groundbreaking achievements began with training she received at her father’s drug store in Chelsea, MA. As a child, she enjoyed washing bottles, folding powder papers, rolling pills, and packing a percolator. It was passion with a purpose that still resonates today.

Her efforts continue to be remembered and honored. MCPHS donors who make individual or combined gifts of at least $10,000 can qualify to become members of the Agnes Wilbur Society.

 *Agnes Wilbur was the third woman to complete coursework at our institution but had the distinction of being the first woman to receive a degree. Louise Baker was the first woman to complete the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy coursework, but she only received a certificate of proficiency, not a diploma, in 1877 because of a lack of practical experience. She died in 1878 before she had the opportunity to get the experience required to receive her degree.