Alumnae and Institutional Memory

Commencement, Bennett College, Millbrook, Dutchess, New York, 1928. Bennett College Collection.

“For some Bennett students, commencement may mean the end of a formal education. For 60 percent of Bennett’s graduates today [1966], it means continuing - at another college or university or in any one of a number of professional schools.”

The school’s first diploma was awarded in 1898, and the final graduating class completed its studies in 1977. Over its eighty years as a degree-granting institution, Bennett College educated thousands of students from across the United States and around the world.

Through their accomplishments in the arts, education, business, and public life, Bennett alumnae carried the college’s influence far beyond the Millbrook campus.

Bennett College Alumnae Reunion, Class of 1921 in 1961, Millbrook, Dutchess, New York, 1961. Bennett College Collection.

Some Notable Alumnae

Nancy Ames - Folk Singer and Songwriter

Judi Andersen - Actress and Model, Miss USA 1978

Jane Forbes Clark - American Horse Show Association president (1982-1997)

Ray Eames (Bernice Alexandra Kaiser) - Artist and Designer

Carmen Mathews - Actress and Environmentalist

Mercedes Matter - Founder and Dean Emeritus of the New York Studio School 

Mildred Natwick - Actress

Sandra Shaw (Veronica Balfe) - Actress

Blaine Trump (née Beard) - Socialite and Philanthropist

Alumnae Bridal Party Portrait, Myra (Young) Robinson, c. 1925. Bennett College Collection.

The Alumnae Association was formed in 1905 to bring together graduating classes for annual reunions. Additional regional groups also developed, including the Millbrook Area Bennett Club, established in 1964. This organization connected Bennett College alumnae living in the region and strengthened relationships between the college and the surrounding community. 

Over time, the Alumnae Association documented its activities, class news, and institutional updates through a series of publications, including The Bennett Bulletin, (1935–1946, 1948–1977), The Watchdog (1921, 1922, 1927–1938), and various Directories and Address Registers, (1891–1956, 1959–1964, 1968). The Association also organized reunions, anniversary celebrations, and fundraising efforts in the support of the school.

View additional Alumnae publications here.

Following the closure of Bennett College, the Alumnae Association continued its activities and later provided scholarships to relatives of alumnae. Meetings were held at various locations, including New York City and New Jersey, maintaining connections among graduates long after the college closed. 

Plate, "Halycon Hall Millbrook, NY," Mid-Late 19th century. Bennett College Collection.

Following the closure of Bennett College, the Alumnae Association continued its activities and later provided scholarships to relatives of alumnae. Meetings were held at various locations, including New York City and New Jersey, maintaining connections among graduates long after the college closed. 

Memories of Bennett College.

The Bennett College Collection preserves a wide range of memorabilia, including Bennett College pennants, Testudo mascot stickers, "Bennett College 1891" mugs, postcards and ashtrays. Most of these items were donated to the collection in 1985 by the Bennett College Foundation. Alumnae and their families continue to make donations to the collection today. 

The legacy of Bennett College continues through the memories of its alumnae and personal histories preserved in photograph albums, yearbooks and other archival materials. For more information about the Bennett College Collection, please contact the Millbrook Library.

View additional records and images of alumnae here.

View reunion photographs here.

View records and images of alumnae brides here.

View records and images of daughters of alumnae here.