Eleanor P. Cushing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eleanor P. Cushing
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Eleanor P. Cushing, from the 1907 yearbook of Smith College
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| Born | December 27, 1856 Bath, Maine
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| Died | April 21, 1925 Bath, Maine
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| Occupation | Mathematics professor |
| Relatives | Tom Cushing (nephew) |
Eleanor Philbrook Cushing (born December 27, 1856 – died April 21, 1925) was an important American mathematics professor. She taught at Smith College for many years, from 1881 to 1922.
Contents
Eleanor P. Cushing: A Life in Math
Growing Up and Going to College
Eleanor P. Cushing was born in Bath, Maine, on December 27, 1856. Her father, Samuel Woodward Cushing, was a merchant. Her brother, William Lee Cushing, was also a teacher. He taught Latin at Yale University. Eleanor's nephew was the famous writer, Tom Cushing.
Eleanor was part of the very first group of students to graduate from Smith College. She finished her studies in 1879. A few years later, in 1882, she earned her master's degree.
Her Teaching Career
After graduating, Eleanor first taught school in Bath and New Haven. Then, in 1881, she joined the faculty at Smith College. She worked there until 1922. Eleanor became a professor of mathematics and even led the math department.
She was also the president of the college's Alumnae Association. This group is for former students. She also led the college's Mathematics Club for students.
In 1890, Eleanor was chosen for a special group. This group helped decide how colleges in New England would test new students. Eleanor was known for not liking fancy displays. She didn't like being called "professor" and never wore the special cap and gown. She retired from teaching in 1922 and moved back to Maine.
Her Life Outside Work
Eleanor Cushing received a beautiful Queen Anne-style house in Northampton, Massachusetts. She inherited it from her friend, Elizabeth Jarvis Hopkins. Eleanor lived in this house from 1897 to 1922. Later, she gave the building to Smith College.
Eleanor died in 1925 in Bath, Maine. She was 69 years old. A building on the Smith College campus, called Cushing House, was named after her in 1922.
