In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, the College of New Jersey takes a step toward becoming a university, a woman is named Dean of the College for the first time, and more.

May 1, 1989—The economics department is polling students about their experiences with sexism alongside the usual questions on course evaluations at the direction of chair Richard Quandt ’52, but students and faculty are confused about the motivations behind the survey.

May 2, 1879—The Princetonian reports that, in “One step towards a University,” “A medical Department has been started at the Halsted Observatory.”

May 4, 1893—The Princeton Dramatic Association, the precursor to what will become the infamous Triangle Club, performs the Booth Tarkington’s “Honorable Julius Caesar” for the first time.

May 6, 1977—Joan Stern Girgus is named Dean of the College. She is the first woman ever to hold this post.

For last week’s installment in this series, click here.

Fact check: We always strive for accuracy, but if you believe you see an error, please contact us.