The University of Malta this morning named one of its campus walkways in honour of Tessie Camilleri, who graduated B.Litt., on May 2, 1922 and thus became its first female graduate.
The walkway named Vjal Tessie Camilleri is opposite the old university gateway by the side of Student House.
Ms Camilleri entered the University in October 1919 and commenced an Arts degree course.
A few months earlier, in June 1919, two women who are important to the history of women in tertiary education, matriculated. Tessie Camilleri and Blanche Huber entered the University together in October 1919. The first choosing the Arts, and the other Medicine. As her course was the shorter one, Ms Camilleri became the first graduate. She followed courses in English Literature, Philosophy and Latin Literature which culminated in her graduation, B.Litt..
At the private graduation ceremony, Professor Temi Zammit dedicated his graduation speech to the importance of female participation in tertiary education. He congratulated Ms Camilleri and her "fellow lady-students who have joined this University" and echoed the idea prevalent in England in the 19th century, that the study of English Literature was conducive to the development of a ‘homogeneous society with healthy aims and aspirations".
It was in October 1991 that the number of female students at the University of Malta first surpassed the number of males (684 females, 680 males). By last month, the number of accepted female applicants had reached 1,829 as against 1,336 males.
Picture shows University Rector Juanito Camilleri unveiling a plaque recalling Tessie Camilleri, the first female graduate. Those present included Patrick Staines and Robert Staines - sons of Tessie Camilleri.