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Allisonian Firsts: Phyllis MacPherson & Bertha Warren

A virtual exhibition celebrating the bold Allisonians who became the "firsts" in their field.

Phyllis Jean MacPherson & Bertha Alexandria Warren

First Bachelor of Fine Arts in Canada, 1941


Graduation portrait of Phyllis Jean MacPherson, 1941Phyllis Jean MacPherson

Phyllis MacPherson came to Mount Allison University from Sydney, Nova Scotia. While in attendance, she was a member of the Choral Society and on the Executive of the Student Christian Movement (SCM). She was also involved in the decorating committee of most events held on campus. In 1940, one of her pieces was displayed at the spring exhibit of the Montreal Association. In 1941, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts as part of the first class.


Graduation portrait of Bertha Alexandria Warren, 1941Bertha Alexandria Warren

Bertha Warren came to Mount Allison from Boston, Massachusetts. She received a certificate in Applied Arts from Mount Allison University in 1932 and subsequently taught art privately while working in commercial advertising. She was also Supervisor of Wardrobes in the Community Theatres of Boston and taught at the Camping Institute of the New Jersey State Teacher's College. In the fall of 1939, she returned to Mount Allison University as part of its staff and earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1941 as one of the first class.