Stockwell Hall
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Stockwell dorm named after UM's first-ever female student
Stockwell dorm named after UM's first-ever female student
by Ashley Manning
Women do not deserve a higher education. The University of Michigan believed in this statement until 1871 when they accepted Madelon Louisa Stockwell, the first woman to attend the university (Clarke). The university decided to honor her accomplishment by naming a dormitory after her. She has been the namesake of this building ever since its opening in 1940.
Madelon Louisa Stockwell. Photo Courtesy: UM
Before she attended Michigan, Stockwell studied at Kalamazoo College and Albion College (Clarke). At Albion, she was a valedictorian with a two year degree, but despite her accomplishments, she was unable to pursue higher education (Clarke). When visiting Michigan’s campus, she overheard a professor comment that he did not believe that “women would be able physically or mentally to bear the strain of higher education” (Clarke).
After a group of women tried to apply to the university and were denied admission, many Michigan residents argued for women to be able to attend the school. They proposed the idea that a public university funded by taxes “should be open to all” (Clarke). The university in response passed a rule that prevented the discrimination of applicants. And Stockwell became the first. (See Angell Hall "Admission of Women" placard, right).
Stockwell paved a way for all women at the University of Michigan. She received resistance for her choice to attend Michigan. She was given an entrance exam that was “longer and more demanding than that given to men” (Clarke) and despite this, she still passed. Once enrolled, the discrimination kept coming. Many students opposed her admittance because of the idea that women are not smart enough to learn the same material as men.
Placard in Angell Hall lobby, recognizing Stockwell and the other 33 women who first attended Michigan in 1870.
Stockwell Hall. Photo source.
Stockwell Hall serves the University of Michigan as a dormitory that houses students of mixed genders. The dormitory used to be for women only, but in 2008 was changed to allow all genders ("Stockwell Hall"). The change was made as the demand for female-only housing decreased, leaving five female-only dorms to be underpopulated. It currently holds around 400 students and many community spaces. It also contains the Rosa Parks Minority Lounge, which serves as a "safe space" for "minorities" to study and congregate ("Stockwell Hall").
According to the Social Security Administration, Madelon (a version of the French name Madeleine) has never been in the top 1000 of popularity, though other spellings have been in the top 100 for names steadily for 25 years. All versions of the name mean “woman from Magdala" (a Jewish city on the Sea of Galilee said to be the birthplace of Mary Magdelene) ("Madelon"). Her last name, Stockwell, is derived from old English and approximately translates to “stream by a tree stump,” according to House of Names.
Although her names relate more to obscure places, Stockwell has definitely created a rich history for her name at the University of Michigan, having a lasting impact. She was a pioneer for women’s rights at the university, which had a male to female ratio of 1:1 in 2016-17 ("Data & Reports"). Her story serves as a reminder of what society and the University of Michigan have grown and learned from. It allows us to reflect and see the changes that have been made and still comment on what still needs to be done for equality.
Works Cited
Clarke, Kim. “Madelon's World.” University of Michigan Heritage Project, https://heritage.umich.edu/stories/madelons-world/.
"Data & Reports: Diversity, equity & inclusion: University of Michigan." Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, University of Michigan.
(n.d.). Retrieved December 4, 2022, from https://diversity.umich.edu/data-reports/
"Madelon: Baby Name Meaning, Origin and Popularity." (n.d.). The Bump. Retrieved December 4, 2022, from
https://www.thebump.com/b/madelon-baby-name
"Popular Baby Names." U.S. Social Security Administration. (n.d.). Retrieved December 4, 2022, from
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/
"Stockwell Hall." Michigan Housing. (n.d.). Retrieved December 4, 2022, from https://housing.umich.edu/residence-hall/stockwell-hall/
"Stockwell name meaning, family history, family Crest & Coats of arms." HouseOfNames. (n.d.). Retrieved December 4, 2022, from
https://www.houseofnames.com/stockwell-family
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