1990s

Key date

Thursday 7 October 1999: Creation of the Chislehurst Society, which was an amalgamation of the Old Collegians Society and Standing Committee.

Explore This Decade

1990 Early history of Mary Woozer
1990Early history of Mary Woozer
Mary Wooza is one of two Women’s College mascots. Alongside Eeyore (the stone fawn), Mary is a cherished part of each student’s journey at Women’s. The following reflection is about Mary Woozer (as she was known in the 1990s) and how she came to be such a beloved member of the College. It was written by alumna Lucy Moxon (1990 – 1992).

You can find out more about the history and traditions around Mary Wooza in our August 110 Alumnae Stories video on our website.
1991 Dr Maureen Aitken
1991Dr Maureen Aitken
Dr Maureen Aitken was Principal of The Women’s College from 1991 to 2008. To date, Dr Aitken has been the second-longest serving principal, exceeded only by Freda Bage.

According to alumna Kim Lyons (2001 – 2005), “Maureen was noted for her meticulous nature and attention to detail, her love of animals, her amazing ability to remember the names and faces of every student who has lived in College during her time, the pride she displays in her personal appearance, her softly spoken voice, her Scottish accent and her incredible and enviable collection of high-heeled pointy shoes.”
1994 First Resident Assistants
1994First Resident Assistants
During Dr Maureen Aitken’s tenure as Principal, The Women’s College established the Resident Assistant (RA) program in 1994, appointing nine student leaders to support their peers. This initiative strengthened the College’s residential experience by fostering a culture of mentorship, leadership, and community.
1996 College Playhouse
1996College Playhouse
The College Playhouse, built during 1996 and 1997, provides a pivotal role at the College for performances and events.
1998 Contributing to Women's
1998Contributing to Women's
Submitted by Elizabeth Mackenzie (alumna 1965 – 1967)

Women’s alumnae have a long history of contributing to the College after their residencies. One such example is that of alumna Elizabeth Mackenzie (1965 – 1967), who further contributed to the College as an Old Collegians Association representative on the Council during the 1990s.

Elizabeth writes about her contribution, saying:

“I was one of the then Old Collegian’s representatives on the Women’s College Council for at least two years while Judith Hancock was President. During my time on the Council, I served for at least two years on the Executive Committee along with William Palmer, Judith Hancock and an invitee.

My term was shortened during a restructure under the auspices of Roger Herring. Because the Council was restructured, the number of Old Collegian Representatives was reduced from three to one, on a last-on, first-off basis.

After I stepped down from the Council, I became the Old Collegians’ Representative on the National Council of Women until the Chislehurst Society was founded, then I continued as their representative till 2005, or thereabouts.”

The following letter was sent to Elizabeth by College Principal (1991 – 2008) Dr Maureen Aitken, who thanked Elizabeth for her contribution to The Women’s College.

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1990Early history of Mary Woozer

Mary Wooza is one of two Women’s College mascots. Alongside Eeyore (the stone fawn), Mary is a cherished part of each student’s journey at Women’s. The following reflection is about Mary Woozer (as she was known in the 1990s) and how she came to be such a beloved member of the College. It was written by alumna Lucy Moxon (1990 – 1992).

You can find out more about the history and traditions around Mary Wooza in our August 110 Alumnae Stories video on our website.

1991Dr Maureen Aitken

Dr Maureen Aitken was Principal of The Women’s College from 1991 to 2008. To date, Dr Aitken has been the second-longest serving principal, exceeded only by Freda Bage.

According to alumna Kim Lyons (2001 – 2005), “Maureen was noted for her meticulous nature and attention to detail, her love of animals, her amazing ability to remember the names and faces of every student who has lived in College during her time, the pride she displays in her personal appearance, her softly spoken voice, her Scottish accent and her incredible and enviable collection of high-heeled pointy shoes.”

1994First Resident Assistants

During Dr Maureen Aitken’s tenure as Principal, The Women’s College established the Resident Assistant (RA) program in 1994, appointing nine student leaders to support their peers. This initiative strengthened the College’s residential experience by fostering a culture of mentorship, leadership, and community.

1996College Playhouse

The College Playhouse, built during 1996 and 1997, provides a pivotal role at the College for performances and events.

1998Contributing to Women's

Submitted by Elizabeth Mackenzie (alumna 1965 – 1967)

Women’s alumnae have a long history of contributing to the College after their residencies. One such example is that of alumna Elizabeth Mackenzie (1965 – 1967), who further contributed to the College as an Old Collegians Association representative on the Council during the 1990s.

Elizabeth writes about her contribution, saying:

“I was one of the then Old Collegian’s representatives on the Women’s College Council for at least two years while Judith Hancock was President. During my time on the Council, I served for at least two years on the Executive Committee along with William Palmer, Judith Hancock and an invitee.

My term was shortened during a restructure under the auspices of Roger Herring. Because the Council was restructured, the number of Old Collegian Representatives was reduced from three to one, on a last-on, first-off basis.

After I stepped down from the Council, I became the Old Collegians’ Representative on the National Council of Women until the Chislehurst Society was founded, then I continued as their representative till 2005, or thereabouts.”

The following letter was sent to Elizabeth by College Principal (1991 – 2008) Dr Maureen Aitken, who thanked Elizabeth for her contribution to The Women’s College.