Graduate Dames.

In March 1948, Mrs. R. K. Waugh organized the Graduate Dames of North Carolina State College (later North Carolina State University) as a social and cultural outlet for the wives of graduate students. Six wives of faculty members were instrumental in the founding of the chapter. They were Mrs. H. A. Stewart, Mrs. D. B. Anderson, Mrs. J. H. Hilton, Mrs. Fred Barkalow, Mrs. D. W. Colvard, and Mrs. W. G. Cochran. The society became an affiliate of the National Association of University Dames when it ratified the national constitution on September 1, 1949.

The concept of an organization for graduate students’ wives had originated in 1896 at Harvard University. From there, the idea spread to the University of Chicago and later to other institutions across the United States. In the 1920-1921 school year, the independent wives’ clubs at the University of Chicago and University of Iowa corresponded with one another about their mutual aims and experiences. They wrote a constitution and founded the national society in February 1921. The constitution provided that the national headquarters would rotate from one chapter to the next, in order of constitution ratification dates. In 1933-1934, the University of Chicago introduced the annual yearbook, which included reports from each chapter on its activities. By 1967, the national organization had grown to ninety-eight chapters.

Initially, monthly meetings of the North Carolina State chapter were held at the Vetville YMCA, where program topics included cooking, care of children, and homemaking skills. In October 1954, the chapter organized a baby equipment loan program for all married students at the university, including undergraduates. Other service projects included clothing drives for needy children, holiday parties for children from orphanages, and funding drives for charities such as the March of Dimes and state mental facilities. The club also produced a newcomer’s guide to Raleigh, which it distributed to its members and shared with the State's Mates, a similar club for undergraduate married students.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Dames printed several cookbooks and established a food cooperative for members. Annual fashion shows and craft fairs featured the sewing and artistic handiwork of members. Program topics broadened to address health and legal issues, consumer information, financial planning, substance abuse, job opportunities for women, equal rights, racial and religious prejudices, North Carolina literature and folklore, and international holiday traditions. Special interest groups within the chapter included a book club, a bridge club, and a swimming group. Covered-dish suppers, picnics, and parties included husbands and families in club activities. Membership in the Raleigh chapter was eventually extended to female graduate students.

In 1980, the North Carolina State chapter of the Graduate Dames disbanded, due to waning membership and interest. Remaining club funds were donated to D.H. Hill Library for the purchase of books to be used by graduate students.

From the guide to the North Carolina State University, Student and Other Organizations, Graduate Dames Records, 1948-1980, (Special Collections Research Center)