Ruth Helm Osborn papers

In 1964, Dr. Ruth Osborn (February 17, 1919 - October 30, 2009) created "Developing New Horizons for Women" a program that became the prototype for women's education programs in the 1960s and 1970s. The GW College of General Studies began the New Horizons for Women in 1964 with a noncredit orientation class of twenty women. "The purpose of the workshop, referred to as 'developing new horizons for women,' is to assist women to develop their potential: by enabling them to understand themselves as individuals and as women by exploring educational, occupational, and community service opportunities; and by analyzing and solving problems encountered when entering the educational and occupational world." (Operation Update, National Business Woman, October 1965). The focus of the GW program was mature married woman students many of whom had bachelors degrees, but had stopped their education and career following their marriages. She directed the GW Continuing Education Center for Women from 1964-1979 and focused her career on making education accessible for married women. Dr. Osborn was an active member of the organization Columbian Women. She received her B.S. from the University of Minnesota and an M.A. and Ed.D from GW. She retired in 1979. In 1998, GW honored Dr. Osborn with a distinguished alumni award.