The Helen M. Upton Center for Women’s Studies was founded in 1990 to be the intellectual and community focus for Women’s Studies and women’s issues at Russell Sage College.

Three Primary Tasks

  • to oversee the interdisciplinary Women’s Studies minor
  • to coordinate special events that highlight women’s accomplishments, speak to women’s needs, and bring together diverse women of all ages and backgrounds who study, work, and teach at Russell Sage College
  • to serve as a clearinghouse for scholarship on women

Helen M. Upton

Helen Merritt Upton (1914-1993) was a member of the Russell Sage College Class of 1936, and a single mother before such a term existed. She went on to become a Professor of History at Sage and, in the early 1970s, she co-taught the first Women’s Studies course offered at Russell Sage College. Professor Upton was a gifted and a popular teacher, as well as an internationally-recognized scholar in the field of Shaker history. She was honored by her alma mater with an honorary doctorate in 1979, and remained active in the life of the College (and particularly in the life of the Center) until her death.

Helen M. Upton Scholars Program

The Helen M. Upton Scholars Program provides adult women with special opportunities and support as they become Women of Influence at Russell Sage College. Designed for women 25 and older, the Upton Scholars Program was created to acknowledge the particular needs of students beyond the traditional undergraduate age group and of women who may already be balancing work and family obligations. We understand your issues and we want to pave the way for your success.

  • knowledgeable admission professionals, who will work with you from the moment you express interest in Russell Sage College and who understand your particular needs
  • generous transfer credit opportunity (up to 75 credits), as well as credit for prior learning
  • rolling admission calendar
  • individualized financial aid counseling
  • Upton Scholarships of $3000 per year awarded to all accepted degree candidates, plus eligibility for other merit scholarships based on your GPA
  • academic and career counseling geared to your needs and schedule
  • technology workshops
  • programming throughout the academic year that addresses issues of concern to Upton Scholars with multiple responsibilities
  • a home-away-from-home at the Upton Center; a mothering room in a residence hall for women with infants; and the availability of overnight accommodations for non-residents in case of bad weather or other special circumstances
  • specially-designed pin designating your status as an Upton Scholar

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