<p>Last night, Betty Draper Francis on “Mad Men” mentioned that she went to Bryn Mawr…
I cringed, just like I had the first time she said it. I thought it might be fun to share a post I stumbled on about the subject of other make-believe Martyrs… and would like to add that Rachel Menken Katz, who was portrayed by Mawrtyr Margie Siff, seemed much more like the real thing to me… And what about Liz Lemon? </p>
<p>Why a Womens College?: Famous Fictional Mawrters
Posted on July 3, 2012 by Kimberley </p>
<p>A few months ago, I was chatting with a Bryn Mawr alumna whod come to visit campus with her daughter. She asked me how I felt about Bryn Mawr alumna Betty Draper Francis. Betty Draper Francis, class of 1951, is a Bryn Mawr graduate. Shes also a fictional character whose portrayal on the popular television show Mad Men has sparked controversy and debate among alumnae.</p>
<p>In reality, Bryn Mawr has impressive alumnae, among them a Nobel Peace Prize winner, journalists and authors, the geneticist credited with the discovery of X/Y chromosomes, a Hollywood icon, and the first female president of Harvard University.</p>
<p>The list of fictional Mawrters is imaginative. A popular campus quiz Which fictional Mawrter are you? states, Bryn Mawrs hallowed halls churn out a disproportionate number of fictional alumnae. Listen closely and you can hear references to the College everywhere from Gossip Girl to Boardwalk Empire. Lets take a look at some of our most notable fictional Mawrters:</p>
<p>Betty Draper Francis 51 (Mad Men): Ill start with the aforementioned Betty Draper. In season one of Mad Men, Betty was introduced as a former model hailing from Philadelphias Main Line. One imagines Bettys time at Bryn Mawr might have included traditional teas and Ivy League mixers. The truest part of Bettys origin story refers to her time studying abroad in Italy; study abroad is still a big part of the Bryn Mawr experience. Most avid viewers of Mad Men either love or hate this character. I agree that shes imperfect but also written within the context of her time.Though Mad Men might not reflect a totally accurate view of the College, a real alumna did appear on the show. Maggie Siff 96, portrayed recurring character Rachel Menken Katz during the shows first two seasons.</p>
<p>Edna Krabappel (The Simpsons): In an episode titled Im Spelling as Fast as I Can, Lisa Simpson dreams of attending one of the storied Seven Sister schools. As Lisa ponders her future, she imagines each Sister personified as a Greek goddess. Lisa didnt have to go far to learn about Bryn Mawrone of Springfields most recognized residents is a graduate. Edna Krabappel, Bart Simpsons teacher and sometime nemesis, did her graduate study at Bryn Mawr. Though Mrs. Krabappel isnt known for her sunny disposition (get it, crab apple?), shes definitely an independent and assertive woman.</p>
<p>Lady Jaye 81 (G.I. Joe): Lady Jaye holds the unique distinction of being the only Bryn Mawr alumna with her own action figure. Shes also presumably the only Mawrter who knows how to use a crossbow. Introduced in 1985 as part of the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toy line, Lady Jaye was the G.I. Joe teams specialist in covert operations.</p>
<p>Liz Lemon 92 (30 Rock): So, heres Bryn Mawrs most well-known fictional Mawrter. Watch reruns of 30 Rock, and youre sure to see several nods to the College. Last year, there was a blink-and-youll-miss-it shout out to the Owls in the Wool Bowl against Hiram College in Ohio. Liz definitely embodies some true Bryn Mawr characteristics, like quirkiness and a great sense of humor. It would be nice, though, if she encouraged her co-workers to participate in some self governance!</p>
<p>While its always fun to debate whether fictional Mawrters demonstrate characteristics of a Bryn Mawr woman, I still think that the best resources are real life alumscheck out a recent blog post by a Bryn Mawr grad, who shares her reflections on Reunion Weekend.</p>