Tillinghast Window in Alumnae Hall

This elaborate stained-glass piece was a memorial window and gift from the class of 1866. It was originally designed for Alumnae Hall and placed in the north end of the library. The Tillinghast Window, was designed by Mary Elizabeth Tillinghast a famous embroidery and stained glass window artist that was later displayed at the Chicago World’s Fair. Its central figure was a young woman standing beside an alter with lighted and uplifted torch in her hand. She was intended to symbolize the new type of inspired and independent womanhood now coming to the fore as well as to illustrate the motto of the class of 1866 suggesting the success is achieved at the price of hard work, “Per aspera ad astra.” This motto was inscribed at the bottom of the window and also “The Eleven…1866.” This gift of the eleven members of the Seminary’s eleventh class was received with great appreciation. Upon the razing of Alumnae Hall the window is now in Kumler Chapel.