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About the Institute
When Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage founded Russell Sage College in 1916, it was an act of disruption.
She believed educating women was essential to positive societal change. And when her Gilded Age millionaire husband, who was not known for being particularly charitable, passed away and left the former schoolteacher his fortune, she founded a college – and named it after him.
Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage was one of the most prolific philanthropists of her time, believing education and research were a means to improving life for all of us.
The evolution of women’s empowerment at Russell Sage:
Although Russell Sage today is a co-educational institution, the college has always acknowledged its women’s college roots. In 1990, The Helen M. Upton Center for Women’s Studies was founded to be the intellectual and community focus for women’s studies and women’s issues at Russell Sage College. That center was named in honor of Helen Merritt Upton (1914-1993), a member of the Russell Sage College Class of 1936 and honorary doctorate recipient in 1979. She was a professor of history at Sage and, in the early 1970s, co-taught the first women’s studies course offered at the college. That center later evolved to be the Women’s Institute at Russell Sage College.
The Women’s Institute today:
The Denise Taber Finard ’80 Women’s Institute at Russell Sage College was created in September 2020 to respond to the contemporary and evolving cultural landscape of the 21st century while honoring the college’s century-long dedication to women’s empowerment. In September 2024, following a transformative gift from an unnamed donor, the institute was named in honor of alumna Denise Taber Finard ’80.
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Our Impact
The Denise Taber Finard ’80 Women’s Institute at Russell Sage College promotes a vision of feminism that challenges structural inequalities and advocates for equity and equality for all. The institute serves as a voice addressing the societal challenges that affect our local, national, and global communities, and inspires positive social change through acts of service.
Public programming, service learning projects by our Women’s Institute ambassadors, and the work of our affiliate scholars elevate the conversation and provide a place of dialogue for all who seek to lift women’s voices and challenge gender discrimination of all forms.
“Over the past two years, The Women’s Institute’s dedication to our cause has resulted in the collection of over 500 bras, providing essential support and restoring dignity to the folks we serve.
Our partnership extends beyond donations; hosting an educational session in March 2023 allowed us to directly connect with The Women’s Institute ambassadors, enhancing their understanding of the challenges faced by those we serve.”
Founder and Executive Director of I Support the Girls, which provides bras and menstrual hygiene products to women and girls experiencing homelessness
Institute Leadership
It takes bold women to lead bold women. The Denise Taber Finard ’80 Women’s Institute is led by a director, faculty fellow, and our amazing advisory board.
Denise Taber Finard ’80 Women’s Institute Ambassadors
The Denise Taber Finard ’80 Women’s Institute ambassadors are Russell Sage College students who embody and carry out the women’s institute’s mission.
Each year, students can apply to become ambassadors and are eligible for a $1,500 scholarship. Students of all gender identities enrolled full-time at Russell Sage College who want to further the Women’s Institute’s mission are eligible to apply for the ambassadorship.
Apply to be a Women’s Institute Ambassador
Interested in being a Women’s Institute ambassador? Complete this quick application to tell us a little more about yourself. A member of our admission team will be in touch to review your next steps. Students in any major can apply to be an ambassador!
Affiliate Scholars and Speakers
Denise Taber Finard ’80 Women’s Institute affiliate scholars are selected based on accomplishments that show a commitment to the advancement of women and social equity. They visit campus for events and programs they help arrange and promote, leveraging their expertise and connections.
The 2024-2025 affiliate scholar was award-winning filmmaker Judith Helfand.
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About Denise Taber Finard ’80
Growing up under the most modest of circumstances, Denise Taber Finard entered Russell Sage at 16 hoping to find the educational challenge and opportunity she had dreamed of since childhood. She did. She flourished in an all-female community that was supportive, safe and inspiring and found her way to a lifetime of education.
With a background in molecular biology, she experienced success as a research scientist at GE and was one of the pioneers in the field of genetic engineering, testifying before Congress on the risks and opportunities of the emerging science. After receiving a second master’s degree from RPI, she worked for the UN in Africa helping to create programs that ensured emerging technologies would be effective across the broadest spectrum of populations.
She was a woman whose guiding stars were justice, fairness and inclusion. She was driven. She was tenacious. She did not judge, instead coming to people with respect and acceptance. And she touched all she met with her love, understanding and support.
Virtually everyone sensed she was extraordinary. They were right. The remarkable character of Denise Taber Finard lives on through the mission and values of the Women’s Institute. Each reflects the highest and best qualities of the other and both will inspire generations of women to use their strength and brilliance to make the world better.
Finard House
The Denise Taber Finard ’80 Women’s institute is housed in Finard House, formerly known as Frear House, in honor of Denise Taber Finard ’80. It is located on our historic Troy campus.
Thank you to our Sponsors
Women’s Institute Staff
Amy Pass
Faculty Fellow, Women’s Institute
Assistant Professor, Student Success Librarian
Russell Sage College Libraries
518-244-2320
passa@sage.edu
