Susan Jane Cunningham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Susan Jane Cunningham
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Susan Jane Cunningham, "A Woman of the Century"
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| Born | March 23, 1842 |
| Died | January 24, 1921 (aged 78) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Vassar College |
| Known for | founding and development of Swarthmore College |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Mathematics Astronomy |
| Institutions | Swarthmore College |
Susan Jane Cunningham (born March 23, 1842 – died January 24, 1921) was an amazing American mathematician. She played a very important role in starting and growing Swarthmore College. Susan was born in Maryland. She loved studying math and astronomy. She learned from famous people like Maria Mitchell at Vassar College. She also studied at many other top universities like Harvard University and Princeton University during her summer breaks.
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Susan Cunningham's Early Life and Schooling
Susan Jane Cunningham was born in Harford County, Maryland, on March 23, 1842. Her family had Quaker roots on her mother's side. Sadly, her mother passed away in 1845. Susan was then raised by her grandparents.
Starting Her Education Journey
She went to a Friends' school until she was fifteen. At that point, she decided to become a teacher. She spent a year at a Friends' boarding school in Montgomery County, Maryland. Family matters then called her home, but she kept studying at a nearby school.
Becoming a Teacher and Lifelong Learner
At nineteen, Susan became a teacher. She taught for most of her life. She spent some summers studying at top observatories. For example, she studied at Harvard College Observatory in 1874 and 1876. She also studied at Princeton in 1881. She even went to Cambridge, England, several times to learn more. In 1891, she spent a summer at the Greenwich Observatory in England.
Susan Cunningham's Career and Achievements
In 1869, Susan helped create the math and astronomy departments at Swarthmore College. She led both of these departments until she retired in 1906. She was Swarthmore's very first professor of astronomy. She became a professor of mathematics in 1871.
Leading the Math Department and Building an Observatory
By 1888, Susan was the head of the Mathematics Department. That same year, she got permission to plan and set up Swarthmore's first observatory. This building housed the astronomy department. Susan even lived there until she retired! It became known as Cunningham Observatory. The building is still on campus today, but it's now called the Cunningham Building.
Awards and Recognition
In 1888, Swarthmore College gave Susan Cunningham their first-ever honorary doctorate of science. This was a huge honor! In 1891, she became one of the first six women to join the New York Mathematical Society. This group later became the American Mathematical Society. She was also a member of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. In 1890, she helped start the British Astronomical Association. In 1901, she was named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Susan Cunningham's Passing
Susan Cunningham passed away on January 24, 1921, due to heart failure. Her funeral was held at the Swarthmore College Meeting House. Many important people attended, including the governor of Pennsylvania, William Cameron Sproul.
