“What I love is that we came to CMC … because it gave us the opportunity that we wanted. It was for the education, and truly the opportunities, that we really were desiring at that time.”—Kathy (Evans) Hurley ’80 P’17, the first woman admitted to CMC
CMC is ready to honor the past and lead the future: The College officially launches its 50 Years of Co-Education Celebration at ImpactCMC on September 25-26.
ImpactCMC Weekend 2026 will not only mark the five-decade milestone with a series of vibrant community moments; it will also set the stage for a year-long, dynamic series of events, stories, and initiatives both on campus and in local communities.
“ImpactCMC Weekend offers the chance to revisit how far we’ve come over the past five decades, and explore what’s ahead for CMC,” said Mari Adam ’80, a member of the College’s first four-year graduating class of women. Adam joins Lorraine Bains ’88 (the first woman president of the CMC Alumni Association) as co-chairs of the 50 Years of Co-Education Celebration.
The intention of the ImpactCMC Weekend programming, Bains explained, is to “create an environment that engages, inspires and activates our CMC community for this historic moment. We’ll honor our past, acknowledge our present success, and recognize that our future belongs to all of us to make the next 50 years, and beyond, better than ever!”
During ImpactCMC, Adam shared that she’s looking forward “to spending time with fellow ’80 classmates, hearing from our amazing lineup of keynote speakers and panelists, and admiring the world-class facility upgrades transforming the campus. And, I’m also excited about meeting new CMC President Will Dudley, of course!”
When the first women students arrived on CMC’s campus 50 years ago in the fall of 1976, they comprised less than 15 percent of the incoming Class of 1980. Yet their presence had an immediate effect, broadening not only the College’s academic perspectives and definition of responsible leadership, but also enriching campus discourse.
This anniversary year offers CMC an opportunity to recognize the outstanding achievements, leadership development, and cultural contributions of CMC alumnae, as well as women students (who, today, number approximately half of the campus undergraduate population), faculty, and staff.
To commemorate the 50th year of co-education, here are some of the upcoming highlights at ImpactCMC—which Adam describes as being “all about the celebration”—open to alumni, students, faculty, staff, family, and friends to attend:
- Moderated by CMC Trustee Sue Matteson King ’85 P’18, a Friday lunchtime conversation at the Athenaeum with President Emeritus Jack Stark ’57 GP’11 and former First Lady Jil Stark ’58 GP’11 focused on the steps CMC took to formally open doors to women students;
- A Celebration Dinner and Sunset Toast on Friday evening with keynote speaker Tasia Filippatos ’94, President and Managing Director of Disney Parks International;
- Various leadership-focused panel discussions and conversations all weekend long, featuring changemakers in women’s health, sports, and finance, among others;
- A community Q&A with President Will Dudley, who began his tenure this summer; and
- Celebration in Motion, a one-of-a-kind processional of alumnae, students, faculty, staff, and parents, with a group photo featuring multiple generations of CMC women to follow.
In addition, throughout 2026-27, CMCers should keep their eyes and ears out for:
- Co-ed-themed speakers and events at venues such as the Athenaeum, Alumni Chapter Events across the country, Family Weekend (Feb. 13-15, 2027), and Alumni Weekend (June 3-6, 2027).
- The CMC virtual book club, which kicks off on Oct. 9 with author Shelby Van Pelt ’02 and Remarkably Bright Creatures (the Netflix adaptation just won Emmys for Outstanding Movie and Sally Field’s performance!) Sign up for the book club. Van Pelt will also speak at the Ath on Sept. 28.
- The CMS Hall of Fame ceremony, which will honor 50 Years of Co-Education and the impact of Athenas, on Jan. 24, 2027. Follow CMS Athletics for monthly highlights featuring athletes who have helped make CMS one of the top women’s athletic departments in the country.
- CMC Conversations podcast episodes on Spotify and Apple Podcasts featuring community stories, faculty insights, and illuminating milestone episodes.
- The fall/winter CMC Magazine, which will highlight alumnae leadership across generations and how CMC influenced their personal and professional contributions in the world.
- Engagement Ambassadors hosting CMC Circle gatherings to bring alumni together for intimate get-togethers and discussion spurred by a custom deck of 50th-themed conversation cards.
- Exclusive 50th-themed swag (including premium pullovers, custom mugs, and stylish notebooks) from the online store.
- Co-Ed anniversary-themed discussions, including an alumnae in higher education panel with Maria Anguiano ’01 (Chair, Board of Regents, University of California), Tamara Lawson ’92 (Dean and Professor, University of Washington School of Law), and Harriet Nembhard ’91 (President, Harvey Mudd College), as part of the Presidential Inauguration of Will Dudley on Nov. 6-7.
- Ways to pay tribute to CMC’s past by investing in its future through a donation in honor of CMC’s 50 Years of Co-Education, including during the 1946 Challenge on Oct. 14-15.
To learn more about CMC history, and stay up-to-date on co-ed happenings throughout the year, visit our 50th anniversary website.
There’s still time to register for ImpactCMC! View the full schedule.