Mount Holyoke embraced the Class of 1997 unconditionally from our first moments on campus, but it took the course of four years to recognize that we truly were uncommon women on common ground. Our first two years we spent as Liz Kennan’s ladies, awed in her presence yet charmed by her grace. We celebrated the first big sister/little sister candlelight circle on the green after convocation, lived in triples and basement doubles as the largest class in recent history, and said goodbye to friends going abroad with a three-day bagel and bonfire bonanza we termed the “Sophomore Straightaway.” When the bells tolled our sophomore spring, we joined the rest of Mount Holyoke in welcoming President Creighton into our community. We spent our last two years balancing education, friends, and traditions with the challenges and questions inherent in an evolving community.

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The Class of 1997 took an active roll in helping shape the Plan for 2003, our activism leading to sit-ins, building occupations, and ultimately constructive conversations. We partied hard with 50-cent beers our senior year, and celebrated graduation with Secretary of State Madelyn Albright and rainy weather. The Class of 1997 has always been a diverse, dynamic community of women, but Mount Holyoke provided the opportunity and inspiration for achieving greatness in all forms. Mount Holyoke – we are still inspired.