About WCC

We can do no better service to India than to liberate the energies of wisdom and devotion which are latent in her women, and infuse into them the vital ideals of Christianity.

Miss Eleanor McDougall
First Principal of WCC

Women’s Christian College, was founded in 1915 with 41 students and 7 faculty members, as a result of the joint venture of 12 missionary societies of interdenominational and international nature located in England, in Canada and in USA, with a mission to provide higher education to the women of India in liberal arts and sciences. 

The Campus

At the rising of the Sun, Hope; at the going down there of Peace 

Reminiscent of these words inscribed on the sundial in front of the Doveton House, the campus is a picture of serenity in the heart of the bustling city.

A year after its inception in the leased premises of Hyde Park in 1915, the College moved to Doveton House, a stately colonial mansion built by Benjamin Roebeck circa 1798. 

WCC, known for the architectural elegance of its buildings, is also a standing testimony to the selfless contributions and service of many in its early years. While the purchase of Doveton House was made possible by the generous donation from the legacy of Ms. Laura Spelman Rockefeller, the Main Hostel and the Science Block were the result of the educationists’ efforts and the committed fundraising initiative of Miss Lucy Peabody, a renowned American teacher and missionary leader.  

The Chapel, one of the most cherished buildings on campus and located at its geometric centre, was the generous and anonymous gift of an American friend, a lady who remains unknown to this day. 

The Clock Tower, standing tall from across Doveton House with its four clock faces that can be viewed from any direction, and erected in honour of Miss McDougall by her brother in 1937, is yet another feature that adds to the beauty and legacy of this beautiful campus. 

The Historic Doveton House

The Doveton House, which serves as the Administrative Block and has witnessed many significant moments in the century old journey of WCC, had its own place in the pages of history even prior to 1915. A magnificent three-storey garden house in Nungambakkam and the second to be built circa 1798 on the banks of the 72 km long River Cooum, it is named after John Doveton, a Lieutenant General with the Madras Cavalry of East India Company.

Legend has it that Tippu Sultan’s sons were entrusted to the care of Doveton in this very mansion, when they were taken hostage after the Third Mysore War. It is also claimed that Edward Clive, Robert Clive’s son, who was the Governor of Madras from 1798 to 1803, used Doveton House during the weekends 

On record, Doveton House served as the ‘prison’ for the Gaekwad of Baroda’s internment in 1875, for an attempt on the life of the British Resident in his State. The building also houses the tallest Elephant Porch in the city. It is referred to thus, as the Gaekwad of Baroda is said to have stepped straight out of his howdah onto the first floor of Doveton House in the days when royal elephants stood at a shoulder-height of 12 feet. 

When the Government acquired Doveton House in 1893, a Judge of the High Court, Sir Ralph Benson and his family were the residents of this mansion for the next ten years.

In 1914, a session of the Indian National Congress was held in a pavilion erected on the grounds.

In 1916, Miss Eleanor McDougall, the first Principal of Women’s Christian College bought Doveton House along with 11 acres of land for the princely sum of Rs. 63,000 ($25,000), and it remains the pride of the Institution to this day. 

 

LEADERSHIP OVER THE YEARS

Miss Eleanor McDougall
(1915-1938)

Miss Eleanor Rivett
(1938-1947)

Dr. Elizabeth George

(1947-48)

Dr. Eleanor Mason

(1948-1956)

Dr. Renuka Mukerji Somasekar

(1956-1965)

Dr. Anna Zachariah

(1965-1971)

Dr. Renuka Mukerji Somasekar

(1971-1981)

Dr. Indrani Michael

(1981-1994)

Dr. Kanmani Christian

(1994-1998)

Dr. Glory Christopher

(1998-2003)

Dr. Rita Cherian

(2003-2006)

Dr Ridling Margaret Waller

(2006-2017)

The College Song

ALMA MATER

From this our land and far across the ocean
Thy daughters’ voices rise in praise to thee,
Our College fair our faithful Alma Mater,
O may we love thee more from year to year!

God be with thee, our College, God protect thee,
His light shine on thee- this our fervent prayer.

Beneath thy trees and columns tall, majestic,
Wisdom and knowledge thou dost give to all.
Leaving thy portals, we go forth desiring,
Lighted to lighten; bravely on we go.

God be with thee, our College, God protect thee,
His light shine through thee- now and evermore.

The College Crest

The College Motto is “Lighted to Lighten” and hence the appropriateness of the little earthenware Indian lamp. From such a lamp, with its flame of fire constantly renewed by the sacrifice of the oil poured in, its need of shelter from the wind, its flame kindled afresh every evening from a source of light, comes the suggestion of a life, spending itself to transform itself into service, flickering but not failing in the midst of temptation, existing only to give.

The College Flower

The College Flower is the Sunflower, chosen because it always turns its face towards the Sun, suggesting that we should ever turn to the Sun of Righteousness.  The Sunflower is chosen also because it is a composite, thus symbolising a group such as a college community; and because it grows readily in all three lands associated with the college, India, the United Kingdom and America.  Still further, the Sunflower embodies the College colours – green representing India’s palms and paddy fields; brown, her sunburnt soil; and gold, the flame of the college lamp.

The College Prayer

Take this College into Thy hands, Lord of the Heavenly Kingdom. Make it a place after Thine own heart, a good place, where the good life is lived and the good fight is fought by us all. Give us health, joy in our work, faithfulness in our duty, love and understanding one toward another. Help us to live, help us to grow, and in Thy name we ask it, Lord Almighty.

College with Potential for Excellence

The evocative photographs showcasing Doveton House, draw an instant connect with the eye and mind transporting one to a world spanning the turn of four centuries. Inquiry and investigation are the hallmark of the thinking mind. Laboratory experience has been an integral part of the learning process down the ages.

Milestones

Inception of the College - 1915

Formation of the Alumnae Association - 1917

College hosts the Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore - 1922

Mahatma Gandhi addresses WCC students on service to rural people and educating the poor - 1925

The Home Science building was opened by the Honourable Union Health Minister - 1954

1962 - Inauguration of the Dining Shed built with the help of students

1965 - Mother Teresa visits WCC

1978 - 1000 - seater Auditorium inaugurated

1982 - Autonomous status conferred by UGC

1990 - Platinum

1994 - First Vocational Training Course (VTC) sanctioned by UGC

Commencement of Self-Financed Programmes - 1997

His Excellency APJ Abdul Kalam, the President of India delivered the Convocation Address - 2007

‘Grade A’ in the Third Cycle of Accreditation by NAAC - 2012

Shri M S Swaminathan leading Indian Geneticist delivered the Convocation Address - 2013

Shri K Rosaiah, the Governor of TamilNadu delivered the Convocation Address - 2014

DBT, Government of India selects WCC for Star College Grant - 2014

UGC recognises WCC as a College with Potential for Excellence - 2016

Grade A+ in the fourth cycle of accrediation by NAAC - 2019

Among the numerous historic milestones the College has witnessed are the visits of many luminaries including Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa and Dr A P J Abdul Kalam.

FRAMES FROM THE PAST