Schleman, Helen B. (Helen Blanche), 1902-1992
Person
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 5 Collections and/or Records:
Dean of Women records
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: UA 41
Scope and Contents
The Dean of Women Office records (1958 – 1986; 6.35 cubic feet) document the official records of the Office of the Dean of Women, including correspondence, budgets, organization records, annual reports, and affiliated professional organizations. The Date File, which is a copy of outgoing mail from the Dean, offers researchers a glimpse into the day-to-day duties of the Dean of Women. However, any Date File that may have existed prior to 1960 is not included in these records, and there is a...
Dates:
1960-1974; Other: Date acquired: 11/04/2009
Christina Faulkner collection of Purdue women materials
Collection — Box: Communal Collections 65, Placement: 02, Folder: 1
Identifier: MSP 275
Scope and Contents
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.
Dates:
circa 1984-1992
Marylu McEwen papers
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSP 102
Scope and Contents
The Marylu McEwen papers document the personal and professional life of Marylu McEwen, from her time as a student at Purdue University from 1964-1968 through her long career in higher education. A large portion of the collection depicts her relationships with the Deans of Women and Deans of Students at Purdue University from her time as a student in the 1960s into adulthood and retirement. Types of materials include correspondence, clippings, photographs, speeches, and articles. Also included...
Dates:
1964 - 2014
Carol Pyle collection of Dean of Women and Dean of Students Memorabilia
Collection — Box: 1
Identifier: MSA 281
Scope and Contents
The Carol Pyle Collection of Dean Of Women And Dean Of Students Memorabilia includes correspondence, photographs, and other memorabilia documenting Pyle’s relationships with Dorothy Stratton, Helen Schleman, Beverley Stone, and Barbara Cook. The correspondence is generally of a casual nature, such as what books are being read and reports of social gatherings.
The collection consists of one folder of correspondence and clippings and one envelope containing an empty jewelry box with a note from...
Dates:
1980 - 2006; Majority of material found within 1980 - 1989
Helen B. Schleman papers
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSF 334
Scope and Contents
The Helen Schleman papers document the life of Helen B. Schleman from her time as a student at Northwestern University in the 1920s up until her death in 1992. Much of the collection documents Schleman’s tenure at Purdue University as Head of the Women’s Residence Halls, Dean of Women, and Dean Emeritus, as well as her military service in the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve (SPARs) during World War II. Additionally, the collection contains Schleman’s collection of newspaper clippings pertaining to...
Dates:
1920 - 2003; Majority of material found within 1934 - 1980