Born 1866 County Donegal Died 1947, Dublin, Republic of Ireland | ||
Lucy Penelope Gwynn (1866-1947) was the first woman to be appointed as a registrar to Trinity College, Dublin.
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Biography
Born in County Donegal to John Gwynn, her father was an Irish Syriacist and Regius Professor of Divinity at the University of Dublin. Her brothers were Stephen Gwynn and Edward Gwynn. Her mother was Lucy O'Brien, daughter of the patriot William Smith O'Brien, and a niece of Harriet Monsell (1812-1883) She also came from a long line of alumni of Saint Columba’s College, known as Old Columbans.
In 1904 Trinity College, Dublin finally admitted women to the University. Gwynn had been unable to get a University education herself and was appointed at the age of 38 to her position in the university. Students described her as a pioneer and explorer as much as any of the women. Gwynn's role was described by one of her charges as "to control our movements to some extent and to protect the college and the students from criticism".
In 1907 Gywnn was called on to defend the position of women in the university by the Fry Commission on Dublin University. She was supported by the parents of the students. The result was that the commission endorsed the women's entry to the university.
In 1922, the Dublin University Women Graduates’ Association was founded, under Gwynn's presidency.
Notable events
Lucy Gwynn Memorial Prize
Founded, by subscription, in 1948 in memory of Gwynn it is awarded annually in Michaelmas term to a Junior Sophister woman student in both professional as well as arts studies. The University board nominates two women from the staff and one of the women tutors award the prize.