The University of Rochester was founded in 1850 as an all male institution. In the 1880s, women began to petition the University to open its doors to female students. Finally in 1898 the Board of Trustees voted to allow women to enter the University if they defrayed expenses by raising $100,000 (approximately $2,000,000 in today's money). A committee of women raised $40,000 over the next two years. In June, 1900 the Board agreed to admit women students that September if the women could secure another $10,000. During the summer the committee was able to raise $2,000, but the day before the deadline they were still $8,000 short. At this point, Susan B. Anthony took charge of collecting the remaining money and on September 8, 1900 she and Fanny Bigelow rushed about town to raise the needed funds. She solicited the first $2,000 from her sister Mary, the second from Sarah Willis, and the third from Rev. and Mrs. William Channing Gannett. Still short, $2,000, Susan B. Anthony pledged her life insurance policy, thus guaranteeing the admission of women to the University of Rochester in the fall of 1900. In 1903 Susan B. Anthony presented Fanny Bigelow with a copy of the recently published volume 4 of the History of Woman Suffrage. In her inscription, Anthony acknowledged Bigelow’s help on that fateful September day. Mrs. Fannie R. Bigelow
Rochester – N.Y.I present you this huge volume IV in recognition of your contribution to the printing of this book—but more, because of your valiant work at the last moment in securing the money for the opening of the College doors to women—in the autumn of 1900—I shall ever be grateful to you that you called & reminded me of the need—and you went with me—and we got the needed $8,000!! Blessings on your head—as it will be a blessing to the girls of Rochester in all coming time!!Affectionately your friend
Susan B. Anthony
17 Madison Street
Rochester, N.Y.1820—Feb. 15.—1903

Additional resources:

• The subject guide for our Woman's Suffrage holdings.