Schleman, Helen B. (Helen Blanche), 1902-1992
Dates
- Existence: June 21, 1902 - February 5, 1992
Biographical Information
Helen Blanche Schleman was born in 1902 to William and Blanche Schleman in Francesville, Indiana. The Schleman family moved to Valparaiso, Indiana, in 1912, where they owned an 800 acre farm, Breyfogle Ranch. William also had a real estate and insurance business and an ice company; and he was involved in land development, including the creation of a subdivision with an accompanying golf course. Schleman entered college at Northwestern University in 1920 and earned her A.B. in English literature and philosophy in 1924. While at Northwestern, she was very involved in sports, the YWCA, student government, and was the president of the Women's Athletic Association. She was selected to Mortar Board at the end of her junior year. On the advice of one of her professors, she attended Wellesley College where she earned an M.S. and a certificate in hygiene and physical education (1928). Schleman's first teaching appointment was at Ohio State University from 1926-1932 in the Department of Physical Education for Women. Before coming to Purdue, she wrote her book "Group Golf Instruction" in 1933. Schleman's long tenure at Purdue began in 1934, when she was hired as the Director of Residence Halls for Women and met her lifelong friend Dorothy Stratton. She also earned a second master's degree from Purdue in psychology and education in 1934. In addition to her role in the residence halls, she served as the Director of the Housemothers Training School at Purdue. After the United States' entry into World War II, Schleman took a military leave of absence from Purdue to serve in the Women's Reserve of the U.S. Coast Guard (SPARS), where she eventually achieved the rank of Captain while serving with the Navy. Schleman returned to Purdue in 1947, when she began her tenure as Dean of Women. As Dean of Women, she was able to provide support and mentorship for women students who had often been overlooked. Schleman, acknowledged as an "unapologetic feminist" fought hard for the rights and opportunities of women students at Purdue. During her time as dean, she was instrumental in terminating the curfew for women students, starting a freshman conference program for women, and fighting for equity in the university's hiring and salary practices. In her continued service to women at Purdue, she established Span Plan, a program that provided scholarships and support to nontraditional women students in an effort to provide them opportunities for career advancement after their children entered school. Over the years, Schleman received many awards, including honorary doctorates from Purdue and Valparaiso University. She was also very committed to professional and community service, particularly to organizations that served the interests of women's rights and equality. She published many articles and books, and frequently gave speeches to local and national organizations on women's rights and education. At Purdue, Helen B. Schleman Hall and the Helen B. Schleman Gold Medallion award were both named in her honor. Schleman remained an active member of the West Lafayette community until her death in 1992.
Found in 19 Collections and/or Records:
Betty Nelson papers, addition 07
Biographical Information, 1921 - 2003
This series contains materials pertaining to Schleman's education, career, and personal life. Types of materials include notes, programs, curriculum vitae, and personal files.
Collection on Helen B. Schleman, addition 01
Correspondence, 1938 - 1990
This series contains various correspondence between Schleman and her family, friends, and professional contacts.
Dean of Women records
Christina Faulkner collection of Purdue women materials
The collection consists primarily of papers sent to or collected by Ruth Bender including letters from and clippings relating to Helen Schleman, Dorothy Stratton, and Beverly Stone. In addition, there are typed poems written by Goldeen Papenguth.
Lois Wark file on Helen Schleman
Marylu McEwen papers
Other Purdue Material, 1940 - 1985
This series contains miscellaneous materials related to Schleman's tenure at Purdue, including her advocacy for equal rights for women students and faculty. Of particular note are materials that document Schleman's nomination of ten women for President of Purdue in 1970, the Schleman Gold Medallion Award and the 1979 TIAA pension lawsuit.
Pamphlets and Publications, 1922 - 1988
Series 5 contains various pamphlets, programs, and other publications that range from Schleman's time as an undergraduate student at Northwestern to the SPARs reunion in 1988.
Professional Service, 1950 - 1985
This series contains materials documenting Helen Schleman's professional service and membership in various women's advocacy groups at the local, state, and national level. Materials include correspondence, newsletters, clippings, reports, notes, and speeches.
Purdue University Office of Publications Oral History Program collection
The Purdue Office of Publications Oral History Program collection documents Purdue University history through oral history interviews with Purdue University professors and administrators. Types of materials include: printed material, cassette tapes, reel-to-reel tapes, compact discs, and digital materials. Interview topics include Purdue history and changes in administration and academic departments.
Carol Pyle collection of Dean of Women and Dean of Students Memorabilia
Sally Watlington papers
Schleman, Helen, July 23,1970
One oral history interview with Helen Schleman by Robert B. Eckles.
Collection on Helen B. Schleman
This collection includes a collection of papers and artifacts that were collected during Helen Schleman's life and posthumously by individuals who were close to her, such as Dorothy Stratton and Betty Nelson. Some items were donated after they were removed from an exhibit on Schleman that was previously installed in Schleman Hall.
Helen B. Schleman papers
Speeches and Written Material, 1923 - 1979
Series 3 contains notes and drafts of speeches, articles, pamphlets, and books that were written by or delivered by Helen Schleman over the course of her career. Most of the speeches and articles relate to women's liberation and women in higher education.