July 24, 2019
Perhaps some of you have already had the delightful experience of a
regional luncheon/talk get-together with new president Sonya Stephens.
Richard and I attended yesterday the Strawberry Banke Museum event (free
tours were a nice perk), the only ones from 1961, so I decided to share
a few highlights. Some helpful handouts were available, and “The Facts
and Photos Edition” brochure includes fascinating info and statistics.
such as the range of states (45) and countries (70; 50 languages spoken
on campus!) reflected in the last student body. Lots of stuff useful in
talking up Mt Holyoke to prospectives, such as the success of the new
Community Center, the high percent of students involved in research, the
number of internships, the fact that 96% of grads are working or in
grad school 6 months after commencement, and the innovation lab now
housed in the kitchen and dining areas of Prospect. One alum who had
toured it during her reunion says it is beyond fabulous, a must-see for
us all, where there is also an op to make something on their extensive
tech equipment. Of course it was pointed out that alumnae gifts made
this possible; good news is that general alum giving is slightly up and
College does fairly well in all rankings.
The presentation at a local site (this one organized by the NH club,
clearly far more active than Maine) of course contributes to pleasure at
being connected to South Hadley. Richard commented on the great
innovation going on there–but never fear, milk and cookies and Mountain
Day are among the traditions preserved. I know I will look more closely
at emails about conferences or whatever on campus to which we are invited.
Elsa Anderson van Bergen
