Mildred Elley, a for-profit two-year college founded in Albany, is celebrating its centennial this year. The Mildred Elley Alumni Association is searching for its oldest living graduate to help commemorate the 100th anniversary.

In 1917, women grew excited over the new employment opportunities that emerged from men leaving to fight in World War I and turned to Augusta Mildred Elley for guidance, according to a release from the school. Educated at a New York City private school, Elley was a well-known suffragette who was respected for her intellectual pursuits. She agreed to help women in the Capital Region and began teaching typing and shorthand in her home at 245 Quail Street in Albany.

The secretarial school continued to develop through the decades and in 1985, Faith Ann Takes became the president and owner of the Mildred Elley School. Under her leadership, the school became co-educational and grew from 37 students to enrolling approximately 2,000 per year.

Today, Mildred Elley has three campuses operating in Albany; New York City; and Pittsfield, Massachusetts and offers over 20 degree and certificate programs.

Anyone who believes she is or she knows the oldest living graduate may call Angelina Castro at (518) 786-0855, ext. 1423 or email her at .