Call Number:

002.002

Repository:

Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections

Extent:

1.8 linear ft. (5 boxes)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Marilou Allen papers (HCS.002.002) Quaker and Special Collections, Haverford College, Haverford, PA.

Date:

1972-2010 (inclusive)

Creator:

Haverford College

Abstract:

Papers of Marilou Allen, longtime Haverford administrator and head of 8th Dimension and the Women*s Center, which highlight her involvement with Haverford College's administration, multicultural and minority issues on campus, psychological services, and student groups.

Marilou Allen was a lifelong resident of Ardmore, Pennsylvania. She attended Lower Merion High School and earned a B.A. and M.A. from Antioch University as well as her MSLP from Bryn Mawr College's Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. In 1964, Allen helped to launch Serendipity Day Camp, a camp for local families held on Haverford's campus each summer. She was its director from 1984 to 2015. Allen officially joined the Haverford staff in 1981 as the director of 8th Dimension, the College's community outreach office. Although the position was supposed to last only 18 months, Allen held the position until her retirment in 2015. In 1982, Allen became the inaugural director of the Women*s Center, which provided resources as the College transitioned to a co-educational institution. Programming and resources grew over the years. Allen remained its director until her retirment in 2015. Allen also served as one of the College's equal employment opportunity officers and affirmative action officers. In addition to her work at Haverford, Allen was involved with the Girl Scouts and Ardmore Avenue Community Center. She died December 9, 2017 at age 84.

The materials in this collection reflect Allen's involvement with Haverford College's administration, multicultural and minority issues on campus, psychological services, and student groups. Specific topics covered include College budgets and financial information, disability and accessibility issues on campus, psychological services offered, peer training programs, Pre-Med and Pre-Law programs, the Office of Multicultrual Affairs, and recruitment and retention of minority students.

The collection is organized thematically. When known, filing titles from the original owner have been preserved.