Dean Ann Marie Williford

Abstract

Dean Ann Marie Williford poses on the stoop of what was then called "New Dorm," a building that now bears her name. Unlike her rough-hewn male counterpart, Dean of Men Charles I. Diehl, Williford presented an immaculate, born-to-the-purple, Ivy League image. Composed and articulate, she could be quite intimidating and was rarely bested in an argument (which were frequent as the women fought to be free of curfews and to entertain male visitors).

This photo is obviously shot to accompany an article or press release, but I can't recall the details. A heavy smoker, she was to die of lung cancer just a few years after this was taken.

During my freshman year (1970-71) the women living in New Dorm (like all women on campus) had to be in by curfew, but those living on the first floor routinely came and went by way of the low-lying casement windows, as did the occasional man.