One of the ‘Firsts’…
written by Kate H.
Catherine Brewer was born on January 24, 1822 in Georgia and died on February 27, 1908 at age of 86. Initially, she attended the Clinton Female Seminary but the seminary merged with the Georgia Female College, currently known as Wesleyan College. On July 16th, 1840 she received her bachelor’s degree from Georgia Female College. Brewer made history that day as the first American woman to earn a bachelor’s degree! Her last name positioned her first in the line of graduates alphabetically; therefore she was named the “first”. However, there were 10 other female graduates after her. These women were remarkable and did not allow the gender expectations of their time to hold them back.
After college, Brewer married Richard Aaron Benson, and together they had eight kids. Catherine became a member of the Wesleyan College Alumnae Association that was formed in 1859. She also returned to speak to the graduating class of 1888, delivering a speak that would make history. A quote from her speech, called the “Benson Charge”, is now recited at each annual meeting of the Wesleyan College Alumnae Association when the graduating seniors are inducted. The quote reads,
“Members of the graduating class, demands will be made upon you which were not made upon us. Your training, if you are true to it, will amply qualify you to meet those demands. No wiser blessing could I wish for you than that you may be true to every God-appointed work.”