Nov. 24, 2009

[12:31 p.m.] In 1909, Marquette University became the first Catholic university in the world to offer coeducation as part of its regular undergraduate program. Since that time, the role of women at Marquette has changed and expanded dramatically, with women now making up more than 50 percent of the student body.

During the 2009-10 school year, Marquette is celebrating the 100th anniversary of this landmark event in the university's history. A committee of faculty, staff, students and alumni are planning a year's worth of activities, including an alumnae memory project, guest speakers and lectures, commemorative publications, and faculty, staff, student and alumni events.

A history of key events is highlighted weekly on the Centennial Celebration website. This week's "Historical Note of the Week" feature Frances Baker who, in 1924, became Marquette's first women's athletic director.

Read more about Baker and how she helped transform collegiate athletics and about other influential women in Marquette's history.