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Stratton, Dorothy C. (Dorothy Constance), 1899-2006

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: March 24, 1899 - September 17, 2006

Biographical Information

Dorothy Constance Stratton served as Dean of Women at Purdue from 1933 until 1946, at a time in which the enrollment of women students jumped from less than 500 to more than 1,400. During her tenure at Purdue, she oversaw the creation of a liberal science program for women in the School of Science as well as an employment placement center. She helped established the Housemother Training School that gave intensive training to fraternity and sorority housemothers from across the United States.

In 1942, during the Second World War, Stratton took a military leave of absence from Purdue and was commissioned to create and direct the Women’s Reserve of the Coast Guard, also known as SPARS (an acronym she coined based on the phrase "Semper Paratus, Always Ready"). She earned the rank of captain in 1944. Upon her retirement from the military in 1946, she was awarded a Legion of Merit Medal for her contributions to women in the armed forces. Stratton went on to serve as the first director of personnel at the International Monetary Fund and then later as an executive director of the Girl Scouts of the America until her retirement in 1960. Purdue University awarded Stratton an honorary doctorate of law in 1958. Stratton passed away on September 17, 2006.

Found in 5 Collections and/or Records:

Dorothy C. Stratton papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSF 366
Abstract This collection contains papers, clippings and photographs documenting Dorothy Stratton’s life, especially her role as Purdue Dean of Women and Director of the USCG SPARS.
Dates: 1935-2012; Other: Majority of material found in 1943-1947; Other: Date acquired: 11/09/1980

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

Lieutenant Dorothy C. Stratton photograph

 Unprocessed — Box: Communal Accessions 51
Identifier: 2022-116
Dates: November 6, 1942

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

Other Purdue Material, 1940 - 1985

 Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSF 334, Series 6
Scope and Contents 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.
Dates: 1940 - 1985