Hollins University Alumnae Magazine, Fall 2025

JOURNEYS THAT CHANGE US

Celebrating 70 Years of Study Abroad

Hollins

HOLLINS MAGAZINE

VOL. 75, NO. 3

AUGUST - OCTOBER 2025

EDITOR

Tammy Moore, interim vice president of marketing and communications

ADVISORY BOARD

Mary Dana Hinton, president

Anita Branch-Brown, vice president of institutional advancement

Lauren Sells ’04, associate vice president for alumnae/i engagement and strategic initiatives

Meredith Cope-Levy ’12, M.F.A. ’18, donor relations and research manager

Emma K. Gee, social media manager

DESIGNERS

Sarah Sprigings, David Hodge, Anstey Hodge Advertising Group, Roanoke, VA

Sharon Meador, director of marketing and brand strategies

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kasey Campbell M.A.L.S. ’25, assistant to the vice president of institutional advancement

Rachel Fletcher ’05, stewardship and donor relations coordinator

Sarah Achenbach ’88

FEATURES

30 Suitcases of Stories: Revisiting Global Adventures by Emma

K. Gee

33 Opening the World: Global Learning for all Students by Sarah Achenbach ’88

A Legacy of Global Curiosity by Sarah Achenbach ’88 On the cover: Tasha Bestrom ’18 cultivating her passion for marine biology, resulting in the first-ever Hollins honors thesis on

To view the online Hollinsmagazine, visit hollins.edu/magazine or scan the QR code.

DEPARTMENTS

1 A Letter from President Mary Dana Hinton

2 The Heart of Hollins 5 In the Loop 36 Donor Spotlight

Hollins (USPS 247/440) is published quarterly by Hollins University, Roanoke, VA 24020. Entered as Periodicals Postage Paid at Roanoke, VA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Hollins, Hollins University, 7916 Williamson Rd., Box 9688, Roanoke, VA 24020 or call (800) TINKER1.

The articles and class letters in Hollins do not necessarily represent the official policies of Hollins University, nor are they always the opinions of the editor. Hollins University does not discriminate in admission because of sexual orientation, race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, age, political beliefs, religion, and/or pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, and maintains a nondiscriminatory policy throughout its operation. Questions, comments, corrections, or story ideas may be sent to:

Magazine Editor

Hollins University 7916 Williamson Rd. Box 9657 Roanoke, VA 24020

magazine@hollins.edu

coral reefs. Photo by Dan Mele.

With eyes lifted: Celebrating 70 years of study abroad at Hollins

Dear Friends,

This year marks a remarkable milestone: 70 years of study abroad at Hollins University. As we reflect on this legacy, I am reminded of an unforgettable experience I had earlier this year — joining our J-Term course Crete: Yesterday, Today, and the Future, led by Professors Tina Salowey and Chris Richter.

Over two weeks, students explored the biodiversity, culture, and layered history of Crete —  an island that has served for centuries as a crossroads of civilizations. Professors Salowey and Richter have led this journey since 1997, shaping generations of Hollins students through immersive global learning.

Standing with our students at the Athenian Acropolis and later on Philopappos Hill, where Professor Salowey read poetry in the shadow of the Parthenon, I found myself reflecting on what truly endures: art, storytelling, theatre, dance, and the connections we build across time and place. Among U.S. study abroad destinations, only 2% of students choose Greece, making Hollins’ program both rare and remarkable. It was truly a privilege to witness the lifelong impact of our faculty’s work and the growth I saw in our students in this special place.

Study abroad has long been a defining element of a Hollins education. While the first U.S. study abroad programs began in the 1920s, Hollins quickly emerged as a leader in global learning after World War II. Over the years, I’ve heard alumnae/i share incredible stories — from riding bikes through Paris in the ’60s and ’70s to navigating new cultures and discovering lifelong passions. Again and again, I hear the same refrain: “It changed my life.”

Hollins’ numbers reflect that impact. Nationally, fewer than 10% of college graduates study abroad. At Hollins, 57% of the class of 2025 participated in study abroad. This isn’t incidental; it’s intentional. We believe global learning cultivates essential skills, like adaptability, cultural awareness, independence, and leadership, which our graduates carry with them into every corner of the world.

These experiences expand our students’ knowledge and understanding while also preparing them to engage, work, and lead globally. Learning to thrive abroad is invaluable, as learning how to successfully lead in multiple contexts matters now more than ever.

As someone who couldn’t afford to study abroad in college, I’m especially grateful to those who help ensure that our students today face fewer financial barriers to engaging in the world. Your support through the Hollins Fund and special gifts makes all the difference.

Looking ahead, our Transforming Learning, Transforming Lives: The Levavi Oculos Strategic Plan affirms our commitment to expanding both global and domestic study away opportunities. We want every Hollins student to be challenged, inspired, and changed by these experiences.

As we celebrate this 70-year milestone, I invite you to share your own study abroad memories to help inspire the next generation of global thinkers and leaders. The world is vast, rich with possibility. Let’s keep discovering it together.

Levavi Oculos,

MARY DANA HINTON President

As part of the 70th Study Abroad Celebration, we’re collecting reflections for a special oral history project. Email Ashleigh Breske at breskeam@hollins.edu to schedule a short interview before Dec. 15, 2025.

The Heart of Hollins

Sense of Place

The landscape of the Hollins campus evokes a powerful sense of place rolling hills, timeless architecture, and familiar paths that root us in community and tradition. Whether on campus or across the globe, Hollins students and alumnae/i carry the spirit of campus with them. This enduring sense of place connects to a larger story: Hollins as both home and gateway to the world.

Let’s Get Together! Upcoming Alumnae/i Events

Reconnect. Celebrate. Be inspired.

This fall, we’re hitting the road, and you’re invited! Join President Hinton and fellow alumnae/i as we celebrate the power of connection and share how Hollins is making a bold impact on today’s students.

Mark your calendar and make plans to attend an event near you.

2025

2026

Monday, Sept. 8 Richmond, VA

Tuesday, Sept. 9 Lynchburg, VA

Monday, Sept. 22 Roanoke, VA

Saturday, Sept. 27 Los Angeles, CA

Thursday, Oct. 2 Durham, NC

Friday, Oct. 3 Greensboro, NC

Saturday, Oct. 4 Charlotte, NC

Tuesday, Oct. 21 Phoenix, AZ

Thursday, Jan. 8 Washington, D.C. Friday, Jan. 9 New York, NY

Thursday, Jan. 29 Dallas, TX

Friday, Jan. 30 Houston, TX

Learn the latest about Hollins alumnae events.

Tinker Day Is Coming!

Get ready to don your best costumes and celebrate the tradition that connects us all. Whether you’re joining a party or hosting one in your city, Tinker Day is the perfect chance to celebrate our Hollins spirit wherever you are.

See the full list of parties or sign up to host.

BLI Expands Programs, Adds New Course

The Batten Leadership Institute (BLI) continues to grow its impact with dynamic programming and curriculum. This spring’s Leading Together Speaker Series brought timely conversations to campus on authentic leadership, courageous communication, and building trust, sparking meaningful reflection and growth across the community. The series returns next year with new workshops and book discussions.

In spring 2026, BLI will launch a new four-credit course: Inclusive Leadership, taught by Executive Director LeeRay Costa. Open to all students, the course explores leadership practices that foster belonging and team success.

Students also led civic engagement projects this spring, from supporting local shelters to exploring equine-assisted therapy for addiction recovery.

We also celebrated graduating seniors who completed the Certificate in Leadership Studies and look forward to the leadership they’ll bring into the world.

This year, BLI is partnering with Alumnae Relations to develop leadership programming for Hollins alumnae/i. Stay tuned for more details.

BLI grows its reach and impact

Eleanor D. Wilson Museum

Now on Bloomberg Connects

Access to the collections, programs, and student projects of the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum (EDWM) is now just a tap away on Bloomberg Connects, a free arts and culture app developed by Bloomberg Philanthropies. With access to more than 900 cultural institutions worldwide, the app now includes EDWM’s collections, exhibitions, student projects, and programs.

Curated by Laura Carden Ilawan ’17, EDWM’s digital guide includes images, audio, video, alt text, and translations in more than 30 languages. It also offers students hands-on museum experience researching artworks, writing labels, interviewing artists, and creating audio guides.

“Our students are gaining real-world experience in museum work,” says Jessica L. Ambler, EDWM director and co-director of the galleries, libraries, archives, and museums certificate program. “Their projects and senior exhibitions are now part of a global platform.”

GET STARTED: Download the free Bloomberg Connects app from Google Play or the App Store and search “Hollins” or go to the College & University Galleries tab to find the guide.

2025 graduates who earned a certificate from the Batten Leadership Institute, joined by Executive Director LeeRay Costa, Abrina Schnurman, Nora Kizer Bell Provost Laura McLary and President Mary Dana Hinton.

Amy Gerber-Stroh Earns Emmy Nomination

Film professor and department chair Amy Gerber-Stroh was nominated for a 67th Emmy Award by the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

Gerber-Stroh’s feature-length film, Hope of Escape, tells the true story of

her ancestors: Diana, an enslaved mother; her daughter, Cornelia; and Cornelia’s sweetheart, Wilby, and their courageous journey to freedom.

“My work focuses on the intersection of memory, culture, and history,” says Gerber-Stroh. “I am especially committed to highlighting the stories of Black women in history who have been overlooked by conventional filmmakers.”

An award-winning filmmaker for over 25 years, Gerber-Stroh was named Filmmaker of the Month by the D.C. Office of Cable, Television, Film, Music & Entertainment in August 2024. Her past credits also include casting work on major films such as Goldeneye and The Mask of Zorro. Hope of Escape is streaming on Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play, and Tubi. Learn more at hopeofescapemovie.com.

Brendan Wenzel Wins 2025 Margaret Wise Brown Prize

Brendan Wenzel has been awarded the 2025 Margaret Wise Brown Prize in Children’s Literature for his picture book Two Together, an exploration of friendship and perspective. The Honor Book distinction went to On a Summer Night, by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by Kenard Pak.

“This year’s choices are lovely,” stated Elizabeth Dulemba, director of the graduate programs in children’s literature and illustration. “Two Together does what Wenzel does so well, sharing a delightful adventure through the different eyes of the friends who share in it, while On a Summer Night showcases the magic that comes alive in the quiet of the night.”

Established in 2016, the prize honors beloved children’s author and 1932 Hollins graduate Margaret Wise Brown (Goodnight Moon). It recognizes the most distinguished picture book text of the previous year, selected by an independent panel of children’s literature experts. This year’s judges included National Book Award nominee Mitali Perkins, Fulbright Scholar Dr. Nancy Tolson, and Emmy-winning author and illustrator Carter Higgins. Winners receive a cash prize, a medal created by artist and Hollins alumna Betty M. Branch ’79, M.A.L.S. ’87, and a certificate designed by author/illustrator Ashley Wolff, visiting professor at Hollins.

Hollins University Receives $150,000 Mellon Foundation Grant to Advance Civic Engagement in Arts and Humanities

Hollins University has received a $150,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation to deepen civic engagement through enhanced faculty development and community-based learning in the arts and humanities.

“This grant affirms Hollins’ commitment to experiential learning that prepares students to thrive in a pluralistic society,” explains Laura A. McLary, Nora Kizer Bell Provost, who is overseeing the implementation of the Mellon grant. “Building on our strong foundation in internships, undergraduate research, and study abroad, this support allows us to deepen civic engagement as a meaningful dimension of the Hollins experience. It provides faculty with resources to design community-based courses and partnerships, embedding civic learning into the curriculum in transformative and enduring ways.”

The grant supports curricular redesign and professional development for nearly 40 faculty across arts and humanities disciplines. Co-directed by Wendy-Marie Martin M.F.A. ’14, assistant professor and chair of theatre, and Teri Wagner, assistant professor of education and director of master’s degrees in education and liberal studies, the initiative includes professionally facilitated workshops and peer-led training. Faculty will propose new curricular pathways or majors emphasizing civic engagement.

Funding will also strengthen sustainable community partnerships. Hollins will host listening sessions with local partners to develop long-term engagement strategies.

Aligned with Hollins’ Transforming Learning, Transforming Lives: The Levavi Oculos Strategic Plan, and particularly its goal of academic renewal, the grant lays the foundation for a future Civic

Engagement Institute through the arts and humanities, envisioned as a hub for collaboration, dialogue, and justice-focused leadership.

“Hollins is poised to nurture our historic and ongoing strengths in the arts and humanities,” said President Mary Dana Hinton. “This Mellon support empowers faculty to lead cross-disciplinary learning that deepens civic responsibility, fosters connection across communities, and equips our students to lead with purpose in a complex world.”

The grant supports Hollins’ strategic plan and builds on the success of the nationally recognized HOPE Scholarship and other innovative scholarship programs, advancing the university’s deep commitment to access.

This commitment is reflected in the student body: 44% are low-income, Pell-eligible students

72% are earning credentials in humanities disciplines

· Four of the top eight majors are in the arts and humanities: film, English and creative writing, studio art, and history

Community-based learning not only strengthens civic engagement but improves student outcomes, especially for first-generation students. With Mellon’s support, Hollins continues its work to ensure every student is equipped to lead, serve, and create meaningful change.

Transforming Learning, Transforming Lives: THE

LEVAVI

OCULOS STRATEGIC PLAN

NATION’S LEADER IN ECONOMIC,

Nora Kizer Bell Provost

Laura A. McLary

Two Hollins Students Named 2025-2026 Fulbright Scholars

Blair Turner ’25 and Ellie Song ’24 have been awarded prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program grants for 2025-2026. Having two Fulbright recipients in a single year marks an exciting first for Hollins and builds on the momentum of last year’s milestone, when the university celebrated its first undergraduate Fulbright recipient in many years. Together, these achievements represent a new high point in Hollins’ commitment to global engagement and academic excellence.

“Our Hollins Fulbright scholars are wellprepared to make meaningful contributions in the communities they will serve and to foster crosscultural understanding,” said Laura A. McLary, Nora Kizer Bell Provost. “Beyond their year abroad, they join a prestigious global network that offers them continued opportunities for learning, research, and connection around the world.”

“Two Hollins students as Fulbright Scholars is a powerful testament to their dedication and to the faculty and community who have supported and inspired them,” says President Mary Dana Hinton. “We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to the impact they’ll have on the world.”

What Are the Fulbright Scholars Doing?

Beginning in September, Turner, who received a B.S. in environmental science, will travel to Tbilisi, Georgia, to join a global research team at the Agricultural School of Georgia. Her Fulbright research will focus on grapevine resistance to Plasmopara viticola, the pathogen that causes downy mildew, a disease that can devastate table grape crops worldwide. Other countries like Israel and Georgia have developed resistant grape varieties, and Turner’s work will support ongoing global efforts to cross those with non-resistant species to create more resilient vines.

Turner’s path to this opportunity began in 2023 as a Cornell AgriTech Summer Research Scholar. That experience led to further work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including her current role as a biological science technician at the Appalachian Fruit Research Station in Kearneysville, West Virginia. There, she met her Fulbright mentor, Nana Bitsadze, a Georgian plant pathologist who studies the ancient Saperavi grape variety — a variety native to Georgia, the “birthplace of wine.”

A self-described “plant mom” with more than 60 houseplants, Turner initially intended to return to Ecuador, where she studied climate change and plant ecosystems during a Hollins J-Term. But before her senior year, she pivoted her Fulbright proposal to focus on viticulture — an intellectual shift supported by faculty and Fulbright advisor Jeanne Jégousso.

“Being a Fulbright Scholar sets me up for the next step,” says Turner. “It strengthens my research skills and grounds me in what I want to study in graduate school. I’m also excited to experience other cultures —  especially in Georgia, the motherland of wine. I’ll carry this knowledge with me for the rest of my life.”

Song was awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Cambodia, a country close to her heart. She had previously taught English as

a high school student — an experience that deepened her passion for crosscultural connection and the shared history between Cambodia and her South Korean heritage.

In 2024, Song spent the school year teaching English in Santander, Spain through the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP), run by the Spanish Ministry of Education. Her NALCAP experience ran from October 2024 to June 2025, further shaping her desire to work closely with diverse communities.

While Song had the opportunity to extend her time teaching abroad through the Fulbright program, she ultimately decided to pursue a healthcare career, drawing on her background as an English major with a strong foundation in biology. She is now enrolled in UCLA’s MSN program in nursing.

Song’s Fulbright selection and teaching abroad experiences affirm the deeper thread that ties her passions together: “Both teaching and nursing are acts of trust,” she wrote in her Fulbright application. “The ability to relate and adapt in cross-cultural environments matters — whether you’re teaching in Cambodia or supporting patients and training nurses in a hospital.”

“I really like the human and interactive parts of nursing,” adds Song, who is considering working in pediatrics, a choice inspired by her just-finished abroad experience.

Natté Fortier ’24, Hollins’ first undergraduate Fulbright Scholar, has been in Madrid, Spain, working in global classrooms to coach students in Model United Nations.

Scan the QR code to read more about Fortier’s Fulbright journey.

Turner Song Fortier

Building a Fulbright Culture

Since taking the lead on Fulbright advising in January 2024, Assistant Professor of French Jeanne Jégousso has transformed how Hollins supports and prepares student applicants. Working closely with departments and faculty across campus, she has doubled the number of applicants in just one year by demystifying the process and expanding outreach, starting as early as a student’s first year.

“As co-director of undergraduate research and fellowships, Dr. Jégousso brings deep expertise and experience to this work,” explains McLary. “Her commitment to global learning motivates how she mentors students applying for Fulbright grants.”

“We have many strong candidates at Hollins — they just don’t always know it,” says Jégousso, whose own global journey began as a French teaching assistant in the U.S.

“Spending a year in a foreign country changed my trajectory and opened my mind to many things that I had never considered, like getting my master’s and Ph.D. I want our students to have the same opportunity.

What I love most is working one-on-one with students from start to finish, guiding them throughout their projects and watching their excitement when they finally hit ‘submit,’” Jégousso reflects. “I get to learn about different countries, fields, and passions, and I gain a deeper understanding of our students beyond my usual focus on French literature.”

Despite uncertainty around federal funding for the 2026 Fulbright cohort, Jégousso is currently advising nine applicants, ranging from current students to alumnae/i, who are pursuing projects in Madagascar, South Korea, Switzerland, Germany, and France. She’s hopeful funding will be restored and that Hollins will soon average 10 applicants per year —  momentum that is gaining national attention.

Hollins Welcomes Distinguished Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence for Fall 2025

This fall semester, Hollins is pleased to welcome Anuradha Marwah as a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence. Marwah, an accomplished theatre practitioner, novelist, and scholar from India, will join the Hollins community from August through December 2025.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Marwah to Hollins,” says President Mary Dana Hinton. “We look forward to her global perspective and the many ways her presence will enhance our ongoing, robust partnerships with the broader Roanoke community. We are fortunate to have had prior Fulbright faculty members whose hard work has resulted in collaborations that continue beyond the residency. I am certain that our experiences with Dr. Marwah will be enduring and transformative.”

“Dr. Marwah’s deep experience and expertise in community- and justice-based theatre arts will help our campus and the greater community live into the values of the Fulbright program by building enduring bridges and fostering understanding across cultures,” adds Laura A. McLary, Nora Kizer Bell Provost.

Building on Fulbright Success

The Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program brings distinguished international scholars to U.S. institutions to enhance international understanding and strengthen academic programs through teaching and research. The program represents another dimension of Hollins’ commitment to global engagement. Hollins previously hosted Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Isabell Kingori from Kenya in 2021-22, a collaboration that led to the Hollins faculty-led study abroad program in Kenya focused on gender and women’s studies and public health.

Marwah will share invaluable insights with faculty and students as the university develops curriculum and schedules for a faculty-led theatre trip to India planned for 2027.

Innovative Teaching and Community Partnership

During her residency, Marwah will offer a special topics performance course using Euripides’ Medea to explore how classical narratives can be adapted to foster democratic dialogue and address contemporary issues.

A key component of Marwah’s residency will be her collaboration with community partner Ursula’s Café, a nonprofit café and community arts space in downtown Roanoke. Plans include organizing a community reading of Seven, a documentary theatre piece conceived by Carol Mack and written by seven award-winning playwrights. This collaboration will give students real-world experience in community-based theatre

Looking Toward Future Global Engagement

“Dr. Marwah brings the perfect combination of scholarly expertise and practical experience to help our students understand the transformative potential of participatory theatre,” said Wendy-Marie Martin M.F.A. ’14, assistant professor and McDonnell Endowed Chair in Theatre, who will serve as the primary contact for the scholar-in-residence. “Her work demonstrates how classical texts can speak to contemporary audiences and create opportunities for meaningful dialogue about social issues.”

Marwah

IN THE Loop

Tina Salowey Retires after 30 Years

Salowey came to Hollins as an assistant professor of classical studies in 1996. In the decades that followed, as she rose from assistant professor to associate professor to professor, she taught numerous courses spanning more than 30 distinct topics and led nine study abroad programs to Greece. She also served about two years as co-director of Hollins’ inaugural Honors Program and, in 2023, co-directed the Knowledge for Freedom Summer Program.

Salowey was granted Hollins’ Cabell Fellowship four times. In 2019, she received Hollins’ Herta Freitag Award, and in 2021, the Hollins Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award. She announced her retirement this past spring.

“I loved the opportunity to learn and grow alongside my students and colleagues at Hollins for almost 30 years,” Salowey said. “Teaching all aspects of the ancient Mediterranean world, collaborating with colleagues in other disciplines, leading immersive travel-study experiences for students in Greece all made my teaching career exciting and transformative.”

Hollins faculty and staff bade farewell to Salowey in Beale Garden on May 9, exchanging memories and well-wishes.

“My retirement is not a departure from Hollins, but more of a graduation,” she said. “Hollins has been the core of my intellectual and professional life and given me a foundation to go forth, discover, and create other experiences in this next chapter of my life.”

Model UN/Model Arab League Attends National University Model Arab League Conference

Hollins’ Model United Nations and Model Arab League Club attended the National University Model Arab League Conference in Washington, D.C. for three days in April.

The invite-only conference, limited to 22 schools worldwide, mirrors the real Arab League. “Our invitation is a huge deal,” said Professor of Political Science Edward Lynch, who advises the club. “We’ve been going since 2016.”

“Right now, in the political state of our country, it’s very important that people see young women who are very passionate about politics,” said Ally Klotz ’28. “As an all-women’s college, there are probably universities at the conference that take us a little less seriously or consider us differently. You’re playing pretend, but these are real-world issues, and what we’re talking about are things that matter. The people we’re role-playing will become part of the solution in the future.”

“It’s really difficult to describe, and certainly not possible to overestimate, how helpful Model United Nations has been to students in so many of their classes,” Lynch said. “Model United Nations and Model Arab League teach students how to do rapid-fire research, how to work with others, and how to speak in a diplomatic but persuasive sort of way. It affects all their work. It gives confidence. It gives experience. And the impact is immeasurable.”

“This program has given me the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone,” Jessy Herrera ’28 said.

“We do a lot of public speaking. It challenges me to think critically and communicate clearly. Those are skills that will help me as I continue to shape my career here at Hollins.”

While the club didn’t win awards this year, Corabeth Pierce ’26 was elected Assistant Secretary General for the next national conference.

“We help plan the conference and report to the Secretary General, who is the grand overseer of the entire conference,” Pierce said. “If there are hiccups or bumps with committees, we talk to them.”

The opportunity to see the world through 15 different sets of eyes as you listen to delegations from other countries has always been necessary,” Lynch said. “I always come away with more hope for the future than I had at the beginning of the conference.”

For some students, it was their first time exploring the Capitol.

“I’d been to D.C. a lot for athletic trips, but we never got to go anywhere but the schools where we played,” Ally Klotz ’28 said. “I’d never walked around the city.”

“We went to a Japanese restaurant, and that was my first time trying Japanese food,” Herrera said. “It was my second time in D.C.”

From navigating Metro stations and enjoying food trucks to collaborating in delegations and passing council resolutions, the conference provided opportunities to develop leadership skills and deepen campus bonds.

Attendees of the National University Model Arab League Conference in Washington, D.C.

Salowey

Anna Bennett Presents Research at London Colloquium

Bennett, assistant professor of history, recently presented her research at Queen Mary University of London’s second colloquium on medieval and early modern European cities. The event, focused on “Religious Minorities and Material Culture,” brought together early-career scholars from across the globe.

Bennett’s paper, “Spiritual Diasporas and the Inquisition in La Serenissima: The Othering of Witchcraft in Early Modern Venice,” explored a striking pattern in inquisition trial records: the frequent targeting of women from immigrant and religious minority communities.

“This small conference proved to be a supportive space to share my paper and ideas, and connect with scholars from the UK, U.S., and Europe,” said Bennett. “Academic gatherings like this one can be a great way to reinvigorate my work and gain new knowledge that informs my scholarship and teaching.”

Mary Jane Carmichael Delivers Keynote at Appalachian State University

Carmichael, associate professor of biology and environmental studies, returned to her alma mater this spring to deliver the keynote address at Appalachian State University’s 2025 Biology Research Day. The event brought together students, faculty, and alumni to celebrate research, discovery, and the shared pursuit of scientific inquiry.

Carmichael, who earned her M.S. in biology in 2012, was invited to speak as the recipient of the university’s inaugural Department of Biology Distinguished Alumna Award. Her keynote, “From Manganese to Methane: Biogeochemistry from the Mountains to the Sea,” highlighted her research journey, from fieldwork in diverse ecosystems to breakthrough discoveries in the lab.

“Appalachian State holds a very special place in my heart,” she shared. “It was an honor to return, share my story, and be recognized in this meaningful way.”

Carmichael

Green and Gold on the Rise

Hollins Athletics Sets Records and Builds Momentum

We believe athletics plays a vital role in shaping confident, capable women who lead with purpose. Our student-athletes are scholars, teammates, leaders, and competitors who bring discipline, resilience, and heart to everything they do on the field, in the classroom, and in their communities.

This year, Hollins Athletics reached new heights. From record-breaking individual performances to the launch of a new varsity sport, the Green and Gold are building momentum and redefining what’s possible.

Making History: Jazmine Patterson ’26

This spring, Patterson sprinted into the record books, becoming Hollins’ first-ever individual ODAC champion. At the ODAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships, she claimed the 400-meter title and broke two school records, finishing in 57.46 seconds —  one of the top 60 times nationally. Patterson also placed sixth in the 200-meter run, helping Hollins secure a historic 9th-place team finish under first-year Head Coach Hannah Koepfinger.

Flag Football Comes to Campus

Hollins is proud to be among the first colleges in the country to add women’s flag football, one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. Recently named an NCAA emerging sport and championed by organizations like the NFL, flag football represents a new chapter in competitive women’s athletics. Under Head Coach Mark McPherson, Hollins held its first spring scrimmage in May and is actively recruiting for its inaugural team, drawing excitement across campus and positioning Hollins at the forefront of this movement.

Patterson

Athletics Banquet Honors

Each spring, the athletics banquet brings together student-athletes, coaches, staff, and friends to support the year’s standout achievements, and the 2024–25 celebration was truly inspiring.

• Sportswoman of the Year: Senior Cabria Mutz ’25 capped off an extraordinary basketball career with a dominant final season. Averaging a double-double (10 points, 10.8 rebounds), she led the ODAC in blocks, ranked second in rebounds, tied for eighth in steals, and finished second nationally in blocks per game. Mutz set a new Hollins record with 239 career blocks and pulled down 885 career rebounds — second all-time in program history. She was named Third-Team All-ODAC by the conference’s head coaches.

• First-Year Athlete of the Year: Dual-sport athlete Evelyn Keefer ’28 made an immediate impact in both soccer and track and field. She earned ODAC rankings in three key categories — 10th in goals, 7th in shots, and 8th in points — and set a personal best in the 800-meter race, marking a standout debut year.

• Coaches’ Excellence Award: Riding senior Elyssa Parker ’25 was recognized for her strong leadership and consistent excellence. A three-year captain, Parker competed at the IHSA national level and was named an ODAC All-Academic honoree, exemplifying the balance of athletic and academic achievement.

• Service Award: Juanita “Nedie” Keelean was recognized for her unwavering support behind the scenes. Her dedication ensures Hollins’ athletic facilities remain clean, welcoming, and tournament-ready, particularly during busy evenings and major events.

• Super Fans: Carl and Linda Ennis, supportive community members, were named this year’s “Vince Rewekant Super Fans,” honoring their devoted presence at nearly every home and away basketball game. Their support extended beyond the court, sharing team spirit through their community newsletter and introducing new fans to Hollins.

Record-Setting Basketball Season

This year marked a major milestone for Hollins basketball. With a win over Ferrum on Feb. 18, the team earned its 12th victory of the season, tying the 1992-93 team for the most wins in the NCAA era. Their five ODAC victories were the program’s most since 2021-22, signaling a new era of momentum and growth. The 2024-25 season reflected the power of leadership, resilience, and heart in Hollins athletics.

Volleyball Team Honored for Academic Excellence

The volleyball team earned the 2025 American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award, recognizing a team GPA of 3.3 or higher. We congratulate our student-athletes and coaches for their success on the court and in the classroom.

Mutz

Keefer Parker

COMMENCEMENT 2025

On Sunday, May 18, Hollins University celebrated the class of 2025 at its 183rd commencement ceremony — an inspiring day honoring courage, achievement, and the power of community.

A Celebration of Purpose, Resilience, and Connection

Class President Malaika Amin ’25 delivered a moving reflection on her journey from Pakistan to Hollins and the doors opened through women’s education, from study abroad in France to serving as class president. She celebrated Hollins’ legacy of empowerment and left her classmates with a message of hope and resilience: “The sky is not the limit for any of us.”

Commencement speaker Beth Macy M.A. ’93, awardwinning author and journalist, encouraged graduates to embrace their unique voice, lean into what moves them, and build authentic community in an age of distraction. She challenged them to resist disconnection, stay grounded in purpose, and remember the small, beautiful things that tether us to our truest selves. “You are now the helpers,” she reminded. “Carry your purpose forward.”

President Mary Dana Hinton offered heartfelt praise for the class of 2025, honoring their perseverance and the profound impact they’ve made on campus life. She commended graduates not only for finding their place at Hollins, but for “weaving their own vibrant threads into the very fabric of Hollins, helping to craft a new, more resilient, more compassionate heart for us all.”

HONORS AND AWARDS

Beth Macy M.A. ’93 received a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoring her remarkable contributions to literature and journalism, and for using her voice to inspire understanding and driving change.

Matilda Iris Sieger (B.A., English) and Mai Nguyen (B.S., mathematics) earned the First Faculty Award for Academic Excellence for the highest academic standing in the class of 2025.

Signe Belle Overby (B.A., studio art and psychology) received the Second Faculty Award for Academic Excellence for earning the secondhighest academic standing.

Erin Desiree Masarjian (B.A., studio art) was honored with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Student Award, celebrating her daily embodiment of kindness, love, and service to others.

Abubakarr Jalloh, assistant professor and chair of the public health department, received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Community Award for his exceptional compassion and leadership in the Hollins community.

Ti-Shawn Wellington (B.S., public health and biology) was awarded the Annie Terrill Bushnell Award, recognizing outstanding leadership during her time at Hollins.

Malaika Amin, (B.S., biology and public health) received the Jane Cocke Funkhouser Award, honoring her excellence in academics, character, and leadership.

HOLLINS’ PHI BETA KAPPA CHAPTER WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

The Iota of Virginia Chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa Society at Hollins inducted 14 new student members at a ceremony held this spring.

Inducted were seniors Mai Nguyen, Jenna Johnston, Sophia Kunkel, Signe Overby, Abigail Phillips, Oluwadamilare “Dami” Agoro, Jillian Junio, Shakirra Payne-Felder, Autumn Wille, Madison Brousseau, Cora Floyd, Elyssa Parker, Hailee Brandt, and Sandra Sofia Sosa-Olivares. Olivia Cogswell and Phuong Anh Ha were also welcomed as junior class members.

REUNION 2025 A Celebration to Remember

More than 300 alumnae/i came home to Hollins for Reunion 2025, a weekend overflowing with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments. From cherished traditions to new memories made, the spirit of Hollins was alive at every turn.

This year’s Reunion was especially bright for two milestone classes:

• The Class of 1975, with 68 members celebrating their 50th Reunion

• The Class of 2000, with 23 members celebrating their 25th Reunion

One of the standout moments was the reimagined “Rock the Village” parade, where each class brought the energy — dancing to iconic hits from their decade in a colorful display of class pride.

Together, we celebrated an incredible $749,084.50 in gifts to the Hollins Fund, a true testament to the generosity and dedication of our alumnae/i.

Saturday’s Yesterday, Today and Forever program featured remarks from President Mary Dana Hinton, who honored Hollins’ proud legacy while sharing an inspiring vision for the future. Guests later enjoyed a festive al fresco dinner on the Front Quad, complete with live music, laughter, and a sunset backdrop.

As the weekend ended, hearts were full and spirits high — proof that no matter where life takes us, Hollins is always home.

HONORS AND AWARDS

SARA H HOLLAN D ’64 AWARD FOR VOLUNTEE R EXCELLENC E (HAVE)

Danielle Thompson ’05 was honored for serving as Class Reporter for more than 20 years and volunteering in her local chapter. This award honors alumnae who exemplify volunteerism through their spirit and service.

THE RATH AWARD, named for the late Rath sisters, recognizes extraordinary engagement and personal investment in the life of Hollins. This year’s recipients:

Missy Lee Roberts ’85 was honored for her steadfast service in the Richmond Chapter, on the Alumnae Board, and in reunion planning.

Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale ’75 was celebrated for her inspiring leadership as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and her influence as a minister and mentor.

TH E BETS Y GREE N GRUBBS AWARD was presented to Laurie Webb ’95 for her contributions to the arts through her work in film and her mentorship of emerging writers and filmmakers.

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Lynda Calkins, recognized for her impact as director of athletics from 1985 to 2008; she shaped six intercollegiate athletics programs and served as head swim coach and chair of physical education, leaving a lasting mark on Hollins athletics.

Emily Ferrell Allen ’03, a standout on the court, scored over 1,000 points and earned Hall of Fame honors for her all-around excellence in basketball, with impressive stats in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.

Impact Through Philanthropy

Opening Doors. Enriching Lives. Shaping Hollins.

BY ANITA BRANCH-BROWN, VICE PRESIDENT OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

At Hollins, the generosity of our alumnae/i and friends fuels meaningful progress across every corner of campus. From expanding scholarship support to enhancing wellness and renewing beloved spaces, your contributions are helping students thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

Below, you’ll see how your support is shaping lives, strengthening traditions, and preparing today’s students to become tomorrow’s leaders.

West Hall Renovation

Preserving a Beloved Landmark. Preparing for the Future.

For generations of Hollins students, West has been more than a building. It’s a cornerstone of friendship, growth, and self-discovery. From heart-tohearts in the hallways to Tinker Day celebrations on the Front Quad, West has been the backdrop to countless Hollins memories.

Now, we are reimagining this beloved residence hall for the future, preserving its historic charm while enhancing its function for today’s students.

Thanks to our generous donors, $8 million has been secured for the renovation of West. Phase I included updating restrooms, and construction continues through the upcoming academic year:

• Geothermal heating and cooling for sustainability

• Elevator installation for improved accessibility

• Renovated social spaces, including a kitchen and gathering areas for student connection and community

Learn more about West Hall

Wellness

Supporting the Whole Student

Mind, Body, and Spirit

At Hollins, wellness is more than a service.

It’s a way of life. Our vision reaches across every dimension of a student’s experience: physical, emotional, cultural, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, social, and spiritual.

The Cynthia L. Hale Holistic Wellness Center will be the centerpiece of this vision — transforming our former gym into a modern space where students can:

• Move their bodies and restore their minds

• Explore passions and connect with peers

• Seek support and grow in every area of life

With your continued support, this dynamic hub will enhance wellness resources across campus and provide student-athletes with the training, recovery, and resilience tools they need to thrive.

We are deeply grateful to the donors who have already made a commitment.

Join us in shaping the future of wellness at Hollins.

Rendering of the Cynthia L. Hale Holistic Wellness Center

HOPE (Hollins Opportunity for Promise through Education) Scholarship

Eliminating Barriers for High-Potential Students — and Transforming Hollins’ Future

Since 1842, when Hollins was founded to give young women the education and opportunities they were denied elsewhere, we have opened doors for generations of leaders. Our alumnae/i have shaped communities, professions, and the world. That legacy continues today, with the same spirit and determination: when talented women are given the opportunity to sharpen their skills, pursue their passions, and discover their fullest potential in a community like ours, the result is life-changing. But the barriers facing students today have evolved. The most pressing challenge in higher education is financial access.

As more college-bound students come from families with limited

resources, we are called to act. Will we provide ambitious and talented young women with access to a Hollins education regardless of financial background?

Thanks to your support, the answer is yes.

The HOPE Scholarship has been awarded to 125 students who began their Hollins journey this fall.

Our next goal: Secure $125 million to endow HOPE to ensure that future generations of students have the same access to opportunity.

Learn more about Hollins’ commitment to access and affordability.

The

Hollins

Fund

Every Gift. Every Student.

The Hollins Fund has long been vital to our mission, directing support to the areas of greatest need. For years, it has provided critical assistance to students through scholarships.

Now, we’re deepening that commitment: 100% of all Hollins Fund gifts will support student scholarships — opening more doors and creating more opportunities.

This renewed focus reflects our core values: equity, access, and student success. And it ensures that every gift has an immediate and powerful impact on students’ lives.

Thank You. Your impact is real and powerful. Because of you, students have access to opportunity, beloved traditions endure, and Hollins continues to grow as a place of learning, leadership, and belonging.

We are deeply grateful for your support and excited for all that we will accomplish together.

Inspired to support our future? Every gift makes a difference.

A LEGACY OF GLOBAL CURIOSITY

BY SARAH ACHENBACH ’88

On Feb. 5, 1955, the S.S. Liberté departed New York City for Paris with Hollins students aboard. With varying degrees of fluency, a “crying towel” courtesy of Hollins College, and plenty of excitement and luggage, this wasn’t just a trans-Atlantic crossing. It was the launch of Hollins Abroad Paris (HAP) and the beginning of Hollins University’s 70-year legacy of global learning.

Since then, more than 3,500 alumnae/i have studied abroad, through a Hollins-sponsored program or with a partner organization — for a year, a semester, a summer, or a January-Term (J-Term). Global study isn’t just a meaningful addition to a Hollins education; it’s a hallmark of it. Living and learning in another country shapes students’ perspectives, deepens their understanding of the world, and fosters the confidence and curiosity that define Hollins graduates.

Hollins

THE EVOLUTION OF STUDY ABROAD

Hollins’ study abroad experience began as a classroom-based, yearlong program in Paris — an innovative step when international travel for women was rare. In 1975, Hollins added Hollins Abroad London (HAL), a semester-long program continuing the HAP model, with students living with host families for deeper cultural immersion.

Today, Hollins offers hands-on learning across 12 countries through 20 undergraduate programs spanning every continent except Antarctica. In 2006, the M.F.A. in dance added a three-week residency in Europe. Thirteen of the 20 current programs offer homestay, including J-Term language immersions.

“The field has shifted toward immersive, experiential learning, where students work with local communities and tackle real-world challenges through internships,” says Ramona R. Kirsch, director, global learning (GLO). “It’s about building intercultural competence and transferable skills that shape

their personal, professional, and academic lives.”

Hollins now partners with 14 international organizations to expand access to study abroad, offering programs in more countries, robust student support, and fullcredit transfer. In 2019, Hollins transitioned HAP to a partnermanaged semester model, responding to declining interest in year-long programs. This shift allowed the university to maximize its investment in study abroad by increasing opportunities and support for students. HAL adopted the same partner-managed model a few years later.

Through these collaborations, students can study for a semester or J-Term at institutions such as Arcadia University in Italy, Greece, and Spain; Kansai Gaidai University in Japan; and Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya, which became a partner via a two-year U.S. Department of State grant. Recent internships have included teaching and journalism roles in Saint-Lô, France, part of a collaboration between the French department, the Saint-Lô Institute, and the Roanoke Valley Sister Cities.

A CHANGING LANDSCAPE

Year-long study abroad programs are increasingly rare as students balance academic requirements, finances, and personal responsibilities. Semester and J-Term programs are now more accessible and better aligned with students’ degree paths, especially for double majors or those with sequenced coursework.

Hollins has expanded J-Term travel offerings led by faculty, now a hallmark of global learning. These month-long experiences offer rich academic engagement and flexible timing. Thanks to generous scholarships and travel awards, Hollins is able to remove the barrier to participation for students with high financial need. As always, a student’s financial aid package travels with them.

Timia Jackson ’26, a film and English double major, spent spring semester 2025 in Osaka, Japan, through the partnership with Kansai Gaidai University. Hollins’ frequent seminars on studying abroad and access to travel scholarships made her dream of living in Japan a reality.

A “crying towel” is typically a small handkerchief, towel, or novelty cloth given to someone feeling sorry for themselves. The origin is unclear, but the phrase appears in U.S. slang by the early 20th century, meaning “quit whining.”

“All I had to do was pay my normal tuition, which was a relief,” she says. “Staying for six months really meant I got to live there and not just visit. When things go from new to routine, you’re no longer living life the way you used to.”

(See page 33 to learn more about how Hollins is increasing access to study abroad experiences for all students.)

THE ROOTS OF GLOBAL STUDY

Global learning is deeply embedded in Hollins’ liberal arts tradition, echoing the Grand Tour of the 17th and 18th centuries.

“Of course, those early tours were reserved for the privileged, primarily men, who traveled Europe to gain knowledge and cultural sophistication,” Kirsch explains. Today, Hollins opens those experiences to a broader, more inclusive community.

These traditional tours embodied core liberal arts values: intellectual curiosity, cultural fluency, critical thinking, and adaptability. They laid a foundation that was especially meaningful for women’s education 70 years ago and continues to resonate today. “For female leaders, learning abroad cultivates confidence, cross-cultural communication, and resilience,” Kirsch adds. “It equips them to navigate complex global landscapes and lead with insight, empathy, and impact.”

Many distinctions of Hollins’ earliest study abroad programs remain central today: living with host families, short immersive excursions, and the camaraderie of small group travel.

DEVELOPING A WORLDVIEW

No matter the destination or duration, studying abroad makes a lasting mark. For Leslie Lykes de Galbert ’72, it began with 12 months in Paris that included a 12-week European tour as part of the HAP program in 1970. Following graduation, the philosophy major moved back to Paris for her first job as a translator at the Pakistani embassy. “I was translating from French to English in the embassy of a South Asian Muslim country,” she says. “It was absolutely fabulous —  more learning about different cultures and people.”

De Galbert has lived in Paris for 55 years, raising a family and building a career as a psychologist and psychoanalyst. A member of the C.G. Jung Institute in Zürich and a board member of Mind and Life Europe, she’s published articles and translations in French journals and is currently writing her first book, in English, on Western neuroscience and Eastern contemplative practices, particularly Tibetan Buddhism, to be published in 2026.

“I have always loved traveling, visiting new countries, hearing different languages, discovering, being bathed in history, learning about the world, and broadening horizons,” de Galbert says. “More than ever, I believe that in today’s world, Americans need to have experiences abroad. It’s just vital, even for a month or a summer.”

For Gigi de Manio ’88, an internationally known fine-art wedding and commercial photographer, studying abroad was a family tradition. While her twin sister Jackie de Manio Eberley ’88, mother Betsy Cragg de Manio ’66, and aunts Susan Cragg Ricci Stebbins Lincoln ’62 and Nancy Cragg Lincoln ’60 participated in HAP, de Manio’s choice of HAL unknowingly planted the seeds for her career.

“It was in London that I first discovered the world of art,” says

de Manio, whose retrospective book, SILVER: Moments into Memories, was published this year. “Surrounded by museums, theater, and everyday street life, I began to understand the power of observation and storytelling. Our art history classes took place inside The National Gallery and the Tate, where we studied masterpieces in person rather than on slides, making the learning experience unforgettable.”

Tasha Bestrom ’18 was drawn to a J-Term environmental science program because it blended science, nature, and the sea. In 2014, she joined a marine-biology, researchfocused trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands with Environmental Studies Chair Renee Godard and Paula Pimlott Brownlee Professor Morgan Wilson (biology). Bestrom participated in the trip each January throughout her Hollins experience. She parlayed her passion for marine biology into the first-ever Hollins honors thesis on coral reefs, ultimately leading to a co-authored paper with Godard on endangered coral species, published in Caribbean Naturalist. Inspired, Bestrom studied abroad again in Panamá and later earned her M.S. in marine and environmental science from the University of the Virgin Islands. “I already understood what it was like to appreciate a different culture and to be inquisitive about new things and embrace them,” she reflects. Today, Bestrom oversees the U.S. Virgin Islands’ Acropora Monitoring Program. These transformations are what faculty hope for, says Tina Salowey, retired professor of classical studies, who has led J-Term trips to Greece since 1998 with Chris Richter, retired associate professor of communication studies, her travel partner and spouse. “Students learn a way of being in the world that’s untethered from the adults in their lives,” Salowey adds.

de Manio ’88

22 Hollins

EXPANDING THE GLOBAL LEARNING MAP

When the Covid-19 pandemic brought global travel to a halt in March 2020, Hollins acted swiftly to return students home safely. During the travel pause, the university seized the opportunity to reimagine study abroad preparation and reflection.

In 2021, Hollins launched two new global learning courses: UNIV 101 Predeparture and UNIV 102 Reentry. These six-week courses are now required for all study abroad participants. UNIV 102 invites them to reflect on their experiences and align them with academic and professional goals. Through projects like visual “Diversity Diptych,” podcasts, or videos, students share their growth during the annual Experiential Learning Showcase, in collaboration with GLO and Career and Life Services.

“Study abroad has always been life-changing,” says Kirsch. “Now it’s more intentional — before students leave and after they return.”

Hollins is also expanding where and how students can go abroad. New offerings include a semester and J-Term program in Mexico, an interest of Hollins’ Spanish speakers with family roots there. GLO is exploring other locations to expand J-Term abroad experiences. While Hollins maintains partnerships with dozens of institutions around the world, GLO also works closely with students seeking summer opportunities or those exploring programs beyond Hollins’ formal agreements. These pathways make study abroad more accessible, flexible, and customizable.

CLOSER TO HOME: DOMESTIC STUDY EXPERIENCES

Not all students can or want to travel internationally, Kirsch notes. For them, Hollins has introduced study away programs within the U.S., providing immersive learning in diverse cultural settings. One example is the Puerto Rico study away program, which connects students with the island’s unique heritage and environmental challenges.

In addition, in January 2025, Hollins professors Wilson and Jon Guy Owens, director of the Hollins Outdoor Program, led the first-ever J-Term course titled “Wilderness and Wildlife: An Exploration of the Natural and Cultural History of Southeastern U.S.” Participants visited national parks, seashores, wildlife refuges, and designated wilderness areas of the southeastern U.S., taking a deep dive into wildlife conservation, natural and cultural history, and outdoor leadership.

Tasha Bestrom ’18 (above and left)

EXPLORING THE WORLD WITH HOLLINS FACULTY

GREECE

“My learning about the ancient world was tied to being in the place where these things happened,” says Salowey, reflecting on her graduate work in Athens. “I wanted to bring that experience to my students, and not a lot of undergraduate institutions were doing this in Greece.”

She and Richter offer behindthe-scenes access through her extensive connections in Greece. The program explores ancient civilizations, biodiversity, and Greece’s unique geological features. Richter’s interdisciplinary lens brings in Greece’s role as a geopolitical crossroads, especially during the 19th century and World War II.

Since the 1990s, faculty have been designing and leading immersive J-Term trips that offer students direct engagement with global cultures, issues, and ideas. The inaugural trip to Greece, led by Salowey and Richter, set the tone: experiential, interdisciplinary, and deeply personal. That legacy continues, expanding each year with new destinations and bold, innovative curricula.

Faculty lead curated, interdisciplinary programs in Athens, Cairo, Edinburgh, Florence, Nairobi, and Ecuador. New faculty-led programs in development for January 2027 and beyond include a music and cultural history tour through Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland; a business exploration in Mexico; and an artfocused program in South Africa.

One of Hollins’ most accessible, popular, and impactful global learning opportunities, J-Term trips are open to all majors. These trips fit within busy academic schedules and offer an alternative to semester-long study abroad without compromising depth or meaning. Students travel with passionate, knowledgeable professors and small cohorts of curious classmates, creating tight-knit learning communities rooted in shared discovery and adventure.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND ECUADOR

Godard began leading students to the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2011 to study marine ecosystems. The next year, Wilson joined her, and together they created a research protocol to track fish and coral populations.

“On my first trip in 2016, I found my place in life, and it was in the Caribbean Sea,” says Jess Michael ’17, who did two J-Term trips there and later earned her M.S. in marine and environmental science from the University of the Virgin Islands. She now serves as Sargassum Conservation Manager for the Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative.

In 2017, after Hurricane Irma devastated the field station where the Hollins teams studied and stayed, Godard and Wilson adapted by moving students to private housing and shifting their research to ecosystem recovery. In 2023, Godard pivoted to Ecuador, where students now partner with the nonprofit WASKA to study the human impacts of climate change and connect with indigenous communities across the Andes and Amazon.

Kristen Bell ’14, wildlife artist and science illustrator, serves as artist-in-residence for the program, leading a popular nature journaling experience.

Before traveling, students complete a two-credit Tropical Ecology course. Once in Ecuador, they break into research teams to explore moth diversity, conduct bird surveys (Ecuador has 1,657 species), design bilingual environmental surveys, and more.

U.S. Virgin Islands J-Term

Scan to read Greece blog.

Scan to read Ecuador blog.

KENYA

“We’re living in a global village, and Africa is one of the most misunderstood places in the world, especially among Western societies,” says Abubakarr Jalloh, assistant professor and chair of public health. “Cross-cultural understanding creates cooperation. In the end, that’s how we make our world a better place.”

A former refugee from Sierra Leone, Jalloh and Lindsey N. Breitwieser, chair and assistant professor of gender and women’s studies, created Hollins’ first faculty-led program in Africa.

Launched in January 2024, the program was supported by the U.S. Department of State and Hollins’ Imagination Campaign. Centered on public health, the immersive trip to Kenya (East Africa) introduced students to a range of scholars, clinicians, and activists.

Under the guidance of Jalloh and Breitwieser, six students engaged in academic and experiential learning focused on healthcare and reproductive needs, rights, and access.

The cohort collaborated with Kenyatta University and met with NGOs and community members in both urban and rural areas. The program included a safari to the Maasai Mara National Reserve and a visit to the beaches of Mombasa.

“We shepherded students through some tough conversations, new surroundings, and a different culture from the U.S. and Hollins,” Breitwieser explains. “You can’t enter a different nation or culture with a closed mind. Every student leaned in, gaining confidence and engaging deeply.”

EGYPT

SCOTLAND

In August 2022, Wendy-Marie Martin M.F.A. ’14, assistant professor and McDonnell Endowed Chair in Theatre, and Arne Johnson, lecturer for the art and theatre departments, took two students to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, the largest international arts festival in the world. They researched accessibility and sustainability in theatre, attending sensory-friendly shows, interviewing theatre makers, and analyzing how Hollins could implement the techniques into its programming.

In 2023, seniors performed their honors thesis at the festival — Towering Issues, a one-woman show by Clare Stephenson ’23, and Bumble’s Big Adventure, an educational outreach performed by students on the trip.

This past August, Martin and three students returned to expand their understanding of what theatre can be. “Students see theatre they’ve never seen before at the festival,” explains Martin. “They walk out of the performances inspired to make something new.”

ITALY

“For centuries, artists have traveled to Italy to draw. And as part of the program, students study urban landscape drawings and master copies of ancient and Renaissance sculptures and frescos,” says Elise A. Schweitzer, associate professor of art, recalling her inspiration for the first J-Term trip to Rome in 2016 with former communications faculty Jill Weber. Since then, Schweitzer and Hendricks have led students to Italy, following those same artistic footsteps.

In January 2025, Hollins launched Ownership and (De)Nile: World Heritage in and Beyond Egypt. Led by Ashleigh Breske M.A.L.S. ’07, assistant professor of international studies, and co-leader Genevieve Hendricks, chair of the faculty and associate professor of art history, the program explored Egypt’s tourism corridor from Cairo to Aswan.

“The goal was for students to see how mass tourism functions and to gain a deeper appreciation for the economic, cultural, and political impact,” Breske says. Students examined museum narratives, UNESCO World Heritage Site management, and the politics of repatriation, all while engaging with the country’s post-2011 revolution.

“Egypt is often described as a ‘bucket list’ destination,” she adds. “I wanted students to critique what this means for the country’s museums, its relationships with other states, and the economy.”

With Florence and Rome as classrooms, students immerse themselves in medieval and Renaissance art, often sketching in places where photography was forbidden. This January, Hendricks and Stephanie Gibson, assistant professor of art history, will return to Florence, while Schweitzer plans a January 2027 program in Venice exploring the intersection of art, science and ecology.

“Our goal is for students to explore a foreign place and gain the confidence to step boldly into new experiences,” Schweitzer says. “Through drawing and journaling, they gain a method of encountering magnificent locations and works of art, absorbing and reflecting on their experiences.”

Students sketching in Italy

Scan to read Egypt blog.

Scan to read Kenya blog.

PASSPORT TO LEARNING AND LIFE: STUDENT GLOBAL EXPERIENCES

“Our students are willing to expand their vision of the world and eager to push themselves, and they’re doing it out of the context of what they know,” says Godard. “It’s exactly what the first Hollins pioneers in 1955 experienced as the City of Lights came into view after a long ocean voyage on the S.S. Liberté and what students today feel in whatever city or village they call home for a few weeks or a semester.”

From internships in Normandy to biodiversity research in Panamá, museum visits in London to novel writing in Ireland, their global journeys spark new passions and pathways.

Meet a few of the students who are carrying forward Hollins’ legacy of fearless exploration and deeply engaging international study.

RACHEL EDWARDS ’26

University of Limerick, Ireland, Spring 2025

Creative writing major, business minor

“For years I have surrounded myself with Irish culture, myth, and music — core inspirations for my book series Giollachríst. I was able to see the place I am writing about blooming to life from the pages. Doing a global learning experience meant stepping out of my comfort zone.

As a Hollins commuter, I’d never lived away from home or been on a plane before. I returned a changed person: newly adventurous, yet deeply grounded, and ready to write my third novel. University of Limerick gave me an open invitation with new possibilities to pursue a master’s in English.”

LOURDES YPANAQUE ’26

Alicante, Spain, Spring 2025

Creative writing and Spanish major

“I wanted to immerse myself in a culture unlike my own — while shaping my identity as a Peruvian American. Spain pushed me out of my comfort zone — it challenged my assumptions, and helped me build more empathy and gather experiences that enrich my writing. I didn’t just improve fluency; I internalized the rhythm and emotion behind the languages, which now threads more authentically through my narratives. I plan to pursue graduate studies, likely in journalism or a related field that allows me to integrate creative storytelling with investigative rigor.”

PEYTON JONES ’26

Paris, Fall 2024

Summer 2025 internship at Saint-Lô Institute, Normandy

French and gender and women’s studies major, communications minor

“I’ve studied French since middle school, but I still felt like I was missing something. Immersing myself in French, I was able to take that final step of improving my language skills. I returned to France to teach in Saint-Lô. I’m now more flexible and willing to take the opportunities presented to me, even if they are scary. I may apply for a Fulbright scholarship or graduate school, but no matter what, I am excited for the future and thankful for my time abroad.”

MIA BENJAMIN ’26

Bocas del Toro, Panamá, Spring 2025

Biology and environmental science double major

“Studying tropical biodiversity in Panamá enhanced my educational experiences beyond the classroom and into the natural world through fieldwork. After two months of classes and excursions, I spent a month working closely with one professor to research endemic species of dart frogs in the rainforest, which has secured my interest in animal welfare and conservation. I aim to find a career in wildlife rehabilitation. While I was academically challenged, studying abroad led me to discover that home is where you make it.”

ALYSSA LAWHORN ’26

London, England, Fall 2024

History major, English minor

“I selected Hollins for its study abroad programs. I wanted to gain global, firsthand perspectives on topics I am interested in, take London-specific classes, and explore Europe while abroad. As an aspiring museum professional, being 15 minutes from the Victoria and Albert Museum, I was able to visit my favorite object, Tipu’s Tiger, every week. I visited Copenhagen, Paris, Amsterdam, and Munich in one week with a fellow Hollins student, and traveled around England, learning more about the small towns and local culture. I developed a sense of independence and confidence. I now participate more in class due to my encounters with new people and frequent group work in London. I still hope to pursue graduate school but want to stay close to museums so I can directly interact with the objects I am studying.”

TIMIA JACKSON ’26

Osaka, Japan, Spring 2025

Film and English double major

“Japan is home to my favorite shows, games, and general media — it was a distant dream until Hollins gave me the tools to go. Being in Japan was everything I had hoped it would be and more. Prior to studying at Kansai Gaidai University, I had never left Virginia without my family. The amount of independence I learned from leaving the country and living on my own made me realize just how capable I am. I am not the same person I was before Japan. While I will continue writing and working on films, I don’t know which future forms those passions will take. But I do hope to find my way back to Japan.”

SHARE YOUR STUDY ABROAD STORY. As part of the 70th Study Abroad Celebration, we’re collecting reflections for a special oral history project. To participate, email Ashleigh Breske at breskeam@hollins.edu to schedule a short interview before Dec. 15, 2025.

70 YEARS OF HOLLINS STUDY ABROAD *

9 59% 15 12-week

global learning opportunities students studied abroad international internships in funding of students abroad received Hollins Travel Awards faculty-led J-Term programs

23 90 40 6

* Data is from 2024-25 countries of study

$131,000 53 travel awards totaling

required credit courses for pretravel preparation and post-travel reflection global university and organizational partnerships

1955

Hollins Abroad Paris (HAP) launches

1975 Hollins Abroad London (HAL) begins

SEVEN DECADES OF GLOBAL LEARNING

1998 Faculty-led J-Term to Greece begins

2006 Faculty-led MFA Dance summer program begins

2003 J-Term program begins at the Institute de Touraine in Tours, France

Hollins’ global learning impact is rooted in long-term relationships with respected international universities and educational partners. These trusted collaborations — some cultivated for nearly 60 years, like our enduring partnership with College Year in Athens — have made possible an array of experiences, from year-long and semester study to newly added J-Term options.

To the right is a snapshot of the diverse programs shaped by these meaningful connections.

1966

College Year in Athens partnership begins

2011 Faculty-led ecology J-Term launched in the U.S. Virgin Islands; program shifts to Ecuador in 2023

1995

The Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome (Duke University) and Kansai Gaidai exchange in Japan begins

The first HAP cohort boards the S.S. Liberté in New York City, bound for a life-changing semester in Paris.

For 70 years, Hollins has transformed students’ lives by opening doors to the world through distinctive study abroad programs, partnerships, and bold innovations in global education. What began in 1955 with a voyage across the Atlantic has evolved into a globally recognized model of transformative global learning.

As we look to the future, we honor the spirit of curiosity and the exploration that continues to shape the Hollins experience — and the globally minded women it empowers.

2016 J-Term trip to Italy begins

2013 Study Away Spanish program in Puerto Rico begins

2019 International Education of Students Abroad partnership begins for Paris, replacing HAP and expanding student resources and support

2021 Cultural Experiences

Abroad (CEA) and Centers for Academic Programs

Abroad (CAPA), now merged as CEA CAPA Education

Abroad, partnership begins for London, replacing HAL and expanding student resources and support

2023

Faculty-led J-Term program to Scotland begins

2024 Faculty-led J-Term program to Kenya begins

2025 Faculty-led J-Term program to Egypt begins

2025 Study Away program for U.S. National Parks begins 1998

Spanish Studies Abroad partnership begins

Arcadia University, now Arcadia Abroad, partnership begins

University of Limerick, Ireland partnership begins

Ludwigsburg University of Education Exchange in Germany partnership begins

School for Field Studies partnership begins

Arcos Abroad partnership in Mexico begins

Presenting on the Temple of Athena Aphaia

SUITCASES OF STORIES:

RevisitingAdventuresGlobal

Reunion

reflections, alumnae memories, and student showcases.

During Hollins Reunion 2025, a photo of students in Italy in the late 1960s appeared during a presentation on the university’s history of global learning.

Yates Nobles ’65 gasped when she saw it, recognizing students and faculty with whom she had traveled during a tour of Europe.

“It was just this thrill of remembrance,” she said. “Seeing the aftermath of WWII destruction and how that varied from behind the Iron Curtain and in western Europe was stunning and very emotional. Getting to know students in Eastern Berlin, who confided their efforts to escape from behind the wall, and facing our inability to take

Artichoke Fountain at the Pitti Palace in Florence, Hollins Abroad Paris, 1967-1968 in Italy.

BY EMMA K. GEE

Hollins

them with us or to help in any way, was excruciating.”

Nobles’ travels that summer presented her and other students with the “unrepeatable opportunity” to experience many different cultures and perspectives. During the academic year, Nobles studied in France, where she stayed with a family in Paris, practicing her French skills in real time.

“My first dinner with Madame and her family, it was a lovely sit-down meal,” she said. “I had French, but it wasn’t strong. When she asked if I would like a second serving, I said, ‘Non, Madame, je suis pleine.’ And everybody at the table cracked up, because it meant ‘I’m pregnant,’ not full!”

When she wasn’t in class, Nobles said students had opportunities to plan their own travels — “to take charge of our lives at an early age.”

“The myriad gifts of Hollins Abroad have shaped the lives of so many Hollins grads who became vibrant, productive, thoughtful, resilient, and open human beings whom I am sure have made a global difference,” Nobles said.

Today, home stays are required for students enrolled in language immersion programs in France and Spain. But home stay or not, students continue to return to campus with gasp-worthy photographs and mementos.

Some of those mementos were on display during the “Hollins Abroad:

70th Anniversary Exhibition” at the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum. Items loaned or donated by alumnae/i included:

• A “wash and wear” dress worn by Emelyn “Hemmie” Sheffield Gilmore ’58 and her roommate on a 1956-57 European tour

• A record by Georges Moustaki that Mary Watkins ’73 and her roommate played on repeat in Paris in 1971

• A Eurail map from Judy Morrill ’84 marked with handwritten routes from her travels to Paris in 1982

• Toys from Kinder chocolate eggs collected by Holly Peterson ’97 in London in 1996

“Hollins Abroad: 70th Anniversary Exhibition” at the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum.

The exhibit was curated by the museum’s Associate Director Laura Jane Ramsburg M.A.L.S. ’14, Visitor Services and Programs Coordinator Laura Carden Ilawan ’17, and Assistant Professor of International Studies Ashleigh Breske M.A.L.S. ’07 and her Cultural Property Rights and Museums class.

“So much of Hollins study abroad is about everyday life,” Ramsburg and Ilawan said. “As we put out the call to alumnae/i for submissions to the 70th anniversary exhibition, we focused on both representing the extraordinary experiences and honoring the small moments these programs offer. Memorabilia ranged from postcards and ticket stubs to music records and clothing. Through the artifacts, alumnae/i enjoyed seeing their memories reflected through the decades, and visitors learned the value of an education abroad.”

The exhibit also featured oral histories from 25 alumnae/i, including Anita Barker Cummins ’57, who traveled in the first study abroad cohort to Paris in 1955.

“When asked for advice to current students, almost everyone said, ‘You should go,’” Breske said.

During March’s Career Connection Conference (C3), students who recently studied abroad or participated in domestic or international internships presented posters during the “Experiential Learning Showcase,” highlighting newly acquired skills and perspectives.

Director of Global Learning Ramona Kirsch said the showcase, which is expected to return for a third year in

2026, embodies Hollins’ commitment to academic excellence, creativity, and fostering a sense of belonging.

“The students’ posters not only reflect their hard work and dedication, but they serve as stepping stones toward their personal and professional growth,” she said during the showcase’s opening remarks. “We are so proud of all our students for their achievements and the meaningful work they’ve done.”

Azjargal “Azaa” Khurelchuluun ’26 shared her experience interning in Paris in 2024 as a credit analyst at Viatelease, a firm specializing in medical equipment. She attended client meetings in French, reviewed financial statements, and managed business correspondence.

During January Term (J-Term) 2025, she completed a second internship with Estée Lauder Companies’ global communications team in New York, where she was “warmly welcomed by two incredible Hollins alumnae.”

“It was an environment that encouraged curiosity, confidence, and collaboration. Drawing on my prior experience in finance, I contributed to a 160-slide earnings call presentation —  an ambitious and rewarding finale to a fast-paced month of learning,” Khurelchuluun said. “These internships not only deepened my academic and professional growth, they also affirmed the power of a Hollins education to connect, empower, and elevate whether in Paris, New York, or beyond.”

Khurelchuluun credited the Global Learning office, including Kirsch and Director of International Student

Engagement Erin Carney, “whose guidance made every step of the study abroad and visa process possible.” She’s also thankful for the Career and Life Design staff, especially Associate Director Amber Becke, who connected across time zones to review her résumé in preparation for her Estée Lauder opportunity.

At the showcase, Khurelchuluun shared insights from both internships and celebrated the accomplishments of her peers.

“Each presentation reflected not only academic excellence, but also the courage to step beyond comfort zones and grow through real-world experience,” she said

Becke added, “This event is a platform for students to articulate their journey. More than that, it’s a powerful, collaborative celebration of their growth, ensuring they are prepared and inspired for life after Hollins.”

Since Nobles’ 1963 travels to Paris and Moscow, Hollins’ global learning opportunities have grown exponentially.

“My hope is that there is a continued and increasing emphasis on global citizenship,” Nobles said. “Everything is from everywhere. There’s no way we’re going back. And to be able to speak a second language is really amazing. I speak French at least 25% of the time now, in Charlottesville, Virginia. It’s a living thing that stays your whole life. I think it’s just great that Hollins is pushing forward with it.”

“Experiential Learning Showcase” during March’s Career Connection Conference (C3).

Khurelchuluun sharing her experiences at the Showcase.

BY SARAH ACHENBACH ’88

Experiential learning, including study abroad, is a cornerstone of Hollins University’s academic renewal and a key pillar in engaging all students, including those with limited financial resources. Expanding financial support for global learning opportunities connects two of three gears in the Transforming Learning, Transforming Lives: The Levavi Oculos Strategic Plan, launched in 2023: academic excellence and access.

“Learning history, art, politics, biology, or business, and more in the very location where students can interact with the places, people, habitats, or systems they study in the classroom can be transformative,” says Michael Gettings, associate provost for student academic success. “As rich as Hollins’ on-campus education is, we strive to ensure that all students have the chance to pursue learning beyond our campus.”

For Antoinette Hillian ’00, senior clinical scientist at Merck and Hollins trustee, going beyond campus to learn was what drew her to Hollins. “One reason I came to Hollins was because I could go abroad,” says Hillian, who was a first-generation, low-income student. “It was a big deal to go abroad and have your financial aid transfer. At any other school, you would have to take out loans, but my package transferred.”

She spent a semester junior year in Limerick, Ireland, an option that meshed well with her biology major and STEM research focus. That experience helped launch a journey that would lead her to earn a

Ph.D. in genetics from Case Western Reserve. Later, as president of the Hollins Alumnae Association from 2021 to 2023, she advocated for STEM education.

Now, Hillian is encouraging the next generation. Her husband’s niece, a first-year, first-generation Hollins student, is already planning to go abroad. “[Hollins’ programs] are so global now,” she says. “It was a handful of programs, but now they go everywhere. And it’s something that binds us. Even though Hollins changes and students change, we have these ties, these threads that go through the decades.”

To expand this access, Hollins launched a comprehensive review of its study abroad offerings in August through the Forum on Education Abroad, the national nonprofit recognized as the Standards Development Organization focused on best practices in global education.

“This review will help us fully maximize our investment in international learning with an ultimate goal to double participation,” says Kerry J. Edmonds, Hollins executive vice president and chief operating officer.

“As a part of our academic renewal process, we want to ensure that every student has at least one fully funded experiential learning opportunity, including the critical intercultural learning that makes study abroad so life changing for our students,” adds Laura McLary, Nora Kizer Bell Provost.

As Hollins reimagines the college experience for current students, the promise of seeing the world, regardless of financial background, is no longer a privilege but a priority.

Explore the world with Hollins

Join fellow alumnae/i for unforgettable journeys across the globe. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, wandering festive holiday markets, or cruising crystal-blue waters, Hollins travel programs offer discovery, connection, and adventure.

“Our guide was exceptional.”

(Flavors of Dordogne, 2025)

“The beautiful weather, nice people, and the wonderful scenery of the Dordogne.”

(Flavors of Dordogne, 2025)

“The entire trip was amazing! Our guides were scholars and lovely to interact with. They were gracious and knowledgeable. When I got home I missed them.”

(Discover Egypt and the Nile Valley, 2024)

Explore details and photos from past trips.

Galapagos Islands

Oct. 11-18, 2025

CONTACT: Orbridge at 866-639-0079

Christkindlmärkte along the Danube River

Dec. 1-9, 2025

CONTACT: Gohagan at 800-922-3088

Iceland and the Northern Lights

Feb. 21 through March 1, 2026

CONTACT: Gohagan at 800-922-3088

Village Life Italian Lakes

May 16-24, 2026

CONTACT: Gohagan at 800-922-3088

Island Life Greek Isles and Ephesus

Oct. 7-15, 2026

CONTACT: Gohagan at 800-922-3088

OCTOBER 25, 2025

This fall, Hollins celebrates the generosity of our donors and the impact of their gifts on students and campus.

Weekend highlights include:

• Donor impact tours showcasing campus transformation

• Panels with students and faculty sharing scholarship stories

• Student showcase reception and dinner with Levavi Oculos Induction

• Remarks from President Mary Dana Hinton on Hollins’ future

• Performances and exhibits celebrating student life.

A highlight of the weekend is the Levavi Oculos Giving Society induction, honoring donors with lifetime gifts over $1 million.

QUESTIONS?

Visit alumnae.hollins.edu/25PhilanthropyDinner or contact Rachel Fletcher ’05 at 540-362-6290 or fletcherrc1@hollins.edu.

Learn more about the Levavi Oculos Society

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

Madeline Evangelista ’21

BY MEREDITH COPE-LEVY ’12, M.F.A. ’18

Helping the Next Generation of Young Women

Madeline Evangelista ’21 earned her B.A. in business with a concentration in finance and a minor in economics in just three years. While at Hollins, she was a varsity swimmer, career connector with the Center for Career and Life Design, and a work-study employee in the International Programs office. But her most transformative experience? Studying abroad in Japan.

In spring 2020, Evangelista arrived at Kansai Gaidai University expecting to stay for one semester. The Covid-19 pandemic changed those plans, and she remained through the fall; one of just nine international students, and the only one still sponsored by her home institution. Immersed in Japanese culture, she took private ceramics lessons, integrated into native classrooms, and formed close friendships with local students that continue today. Through travel with these friends, she explored the Kansai region, visiting her friends’ “hometowns [or] smaller temples and shrines that I wouldn’t necessarily have found.”

Without a doubt, her study abroad experience launched her career at Norinchukin Bank, a century-old Japanese institution supporting agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. She joined the bank in August 2022 after being headhunted for her business degree and extensive experience with Japanese culture. In July 2024, she was promoted to internal audit officer. Today, she’s eyeing graduate school — either in the U.S. or abroad — backed by the confidence and communication skills she honed at Hollins.

FROM SCHOLAR TO PROUD DONOR

Madeline began giving back as a first-year student, with Day of Giving gifts of just $5 or $10, knowing her own scholarship support made Hollins possible. Now a proud member of the Marian Wolff Young Society, she’s given more than $500, with recent gifts supporting study abroad.

“[Hollins] is a very special place, and I want more people to be able to experience that,” she says.

She understands how small costs, like books or visa application fees, can add up and wants to help students access enriching experiences like hers.

“I want to help the next generation of young women become thoughtful leaders, [to] give them as many opportunities as possible, and to help them believe they can achieve anything they put their mind to.”

Because of Evangelista’s steady and dedicated support, more students will get to write their own global stories — just like she did.

Inspired by Madeline’s journey? She’s opening doors for the next generation of Hollins leaders — one gift at a time. You can, too. Whether it’s $5 or $500, your gift empowers students to explore, grow, and lead. Make your impact today.

hollins.edu/giveonline

Madeline Evangelista and her host mother Yumi in front of Osaka Castle.

LEAD WITH LEGACY. GIVE WITH PURPOSE.

For generations, the Hollins community has given not just to the moment — but to the future. When you make a gift to Hollins, you stand on the shoulders of those who gave before you and help lift the next generation of women leaders.

There are many ways to give and to be part of something meaningful.

MISS MATTY’S CIRCLE invites current students and alumnae/i of the last 10 years to join with a gift of any amount. Even small monthly gifts help sustain the scholarships, programs, and global opportunities that shape the Hollins experience.

THE 1842 SOCIETY honors donors who give $1,842 or more annually and are among Hollins’ most dedicated supporters.

MEMBERS OF BOTH GROUPS ENJOY:

• Public recognition on the Hollins website and at Reunion and other events

• Insider updates from President Hinton

• Special on-campus and regional events

• Meaningful connection to Hollins and its mission

Learn more and join a gift society that’s right for you at hollins.edu/giveonline.

At Hollins, 100% of students receive scholarship support, and every gift to the Hollins Fund helps make that possible.

Scholarships change lives. Your gift doesn’t just fund an education; it transforms a future.

Your support opens the door to opportunity and fuels the ambitions of artists, scientists, activists, and future leaders.

No matter the size, your gift makes a difference.

hollins.edu/giveonline