Her Stories

- Documenting the Role of Women in Local History -

A Penn Stater through and through, Mary Louisa Willard was born on campus in the Moffat Cottage, presently the location of the West Wing of Pattee Library. Willard's father, Joseph Moody Willard, is the professor for whom Willard Building is named. Mary Willard's mother was a member of the State College Woman's Club.

A 1921 graduate from Penn State, Mary Louisa Willard continued her education and earned a Master's degree in organic chemistry in 1923. After receiving her Ph.D. from Cornell University in 1927, Willard returned to Penn State as a professor of chemistry. Though she became an internationally known scientist, Willard continued to teach undergraduate and graduate courses and to conduct research in microchemistry and crystallography.

In 1946, the American Chemistry Society named Willard chairperson of analytical and microchemistry. She was the first woman to hold this position. The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Institute of Chemists recognized Willard in 1955 for her "outstanding efforts in advancing the professional woman chemist." She was only the second woman to receive this distinction.

During this time, Willard continued to enrich the minds of many students and encouraged female students to study the sciences. In 1959, Willard earned a citation from Penn State for "excellence in teaching."

Willard continued lecturing around the nation at various universities and published articles on chemistry and criminology. She also advised law enforcement from around the world. In 1965, a year from her retirement, Penn State honored her with the Woman of the Year Award. Also in 1965, the Austrian Microchemical Society awarded Willard an honorary membership during the International Symposium of Microchemical Techniques. Willard was the fourth U.S. citizen to be awarded this honor.