Benedict, Susan Rose, 1873-1942

Susan Rose Benedict was born in Norwalk, Oregon in 1873 to David and Harriet Benedict. After graduating from Smith College in 1895, she went on to receive her M.A. from Columbia University (1906) and her PhD on the history of mathematics from the University of Michigan (1914).

Benedict was hired by Smith College in 1906 as a member of the Mathematics Department, receiving a full professorship in 1922. She served as Class Dean from 1918 until 1926. During this time Benedict developed a collection of rare books focused upon the history of mathematics which was later added to the Smith College collections. She passed away in 1942 from a heart attack. In her memory, The Mathematics Club established the Susan Rose Benedict Fund to be awarded to sophomores of exceptional ability in the field of mathematics.