Why Go to College? An Address

"Why Go to College? An Address by Alice Freeman Palmer" is an eloquent and insightful address delivered by Alice Freeman Palmer, who was formerly the President of Wellesley College. This work is a philosophical treatise that examines the significance of higher education for women, crafted during the late 19th to early 20th century. The text argues the necessity of college education for young women, emphasizing not only the practical advantages but also the personal growth, social connections, and enduring interests that one can cultivate through collegiate experiences. In her address, Palmer articulates the transformative power of education, portraying college as a vital space for personal development, happiness, and health. She discusses how college equips women with the skills and knowledge essential for their future roles in society, emphasizing the importance of cultivating specialized interests that can render them valuable members of their communities. Through varied anecdotes, Palmer illustrates how college fosters friendships, shapes ideals, and exposes young women to diverse experiences and thoughts, ultimately urging her audience to embrace education as a means to empower themselves and fulfill their potential. The address serves both as a passionate advocacy for women's education and a guide to the enriching opportunities that college life presents. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Alice Freeman Palmer was an American educator. As Alice Freeman, she was president of Wellesley College from 1881 to 1887, when she left to marry the Harvard professor George Herbert Palmer. From 1892 to 1895 she was dean of women at the newly founded University of Chicago.