On 25 June 1678, to everyone’s astonishment, Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia graduates from the University of Padua. She is 32 years old and there is a multitude of people attending the event. She discusses two claims by Aristotle and is proclaimed magistra et doctrix in philosophia (master and doctor of philosophy). She is the first woman ever to earn a degree, an exceptional feat. She receives the insignia of her rank: the book as a symbol of learning, the ring to represent her marriage with science, the ermine mantle to indicate the dignity of her studies, and the laurel wreath as a symbol of her triumph.
However, the result she achieves fails to affirm the right to education for women.
Almost a century passes before another woman earns a degree. Elena remains a pioneer in a revolutionary undertaking. She is a symbol for those committed to breaking down the barriers that hinder equal access to education and work.
Knowledge is freedom.
On 25 June 1678, to everyone’s astonishment, Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia graduates from the University of Padua. She is 32 years old and there is a multitude of people attending the event. She discusses two claims by Aristotle and is proclaimed magistra et doctrix in philosophia (master and doctor of philosophy). She is the first woman ever to earn a degree, an exceptional feat. She receives the insignia of her rank: the book as a symbol of learning, the ring to represent her marriage with science, the ermine mantle to indicate the dignity of her studies, and the laurel wreath as a symbol of her triumph. However, the result she achieves fails to affirm the right to education for women. Almost a century passes before another woman earns a degree. Elena remains a pioneer in a revolutionary undertaking. She is a symbol for those committed to breaking down the barriers that hinder equal access to education and work.
Knowledge is freedom.