Women's Stories from the RMIT University Archives (1880s - 2020s)
- From
- 1880s
- To
- 2020s
- Summary
"The college is un-sectarian, non-political, and open to wage earners of both sexes." (Francis Ormond, 1887)
To celebrate RMIT University's 140th anniversary, this online exhibition presents a small selection of women connected with RMIT. Together, they represent each decade since the Working Men's College opened its doors in 1887 to 'wage earners of both sexes'.
The women featured in this collection had varied connections with RMIT. Some taught or attended a few evening classes, while others devoted much of their lives to teaching, research or service.
Many are not well represented in the archival record, but this does not reflect the significance or richness of their lives. Even the smallest details, such as a subject undertaken, a photograph, a role held or a brief mention in an institutional record, can offer an intriguing glimpse into a complex life.
These are starting points rather than complete biographies. If you can add information, memories or sources, we invite you to help expand the stories of the women who have shaped RMIT's history.
Related Entities
Published Resources
Online Resources
- Ormond, Francis, The Working Men's College,  The Argus, Speech to the students at the Working Men's College, 8 June 1887, 5 pp, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7901293. Details
Images
Prepared by: Miranda Francis
Created: 14 October 2026, Last modified: 23 October 2026