'That Best Portion of a Good Woman's Life': Gertrude Mudge, 1886–1958

The author points out that while the prestige of McGill University rests primarily upon the high caliber of its academic staf, McGill's good name and fame also derive from the dedication and integrity of its administrative and technical oficers who have helped to give the university "cohesiveness and unity of purpose. " The story of these dedicated men and women remains largely untold but it is an important part of the history of McGill. The author explains that one such person was Miss Gertrude Mudge (1886-1958) who, from 1923 to 1953, served as the virtually indispensable right-hand of the Faculty of Medicine. Miss Mudge's discernment and understanding determined the essential character of her ofice as a vital, positive and motivating force in the lives of the medical students. He points out that Miss Mudge's generous spirit and quiet influence were famous through two generations of aspiring physicians. Following her retirement, Miss Mudge set out on a long pilgrimage across the United States and Canada to visit her scattered medical family. Her sentimental journey received wide publicity, and the renown of McGill grew as a result. In 1955, McGill awarded Miss Mudge an honorary Master of Arts in recognition of her years of devoted service which helped to sustain the university's pre-eminent position in medical education.

Fontanus

Vol. 8

1995

48-57

en