Every November since 1891 the Mount Holyoke community has celebrated Founder’s Day — November 8, 1837. The particulars surrounding this annual tradition have evolved over time, but at its core it remains a day to reflect on the powerful legacy that one changemaker can impart to future generations.
All are welcome to join the MHC Peninsula Club at one of these times and locations:
When the Mountain Day bells ring…
Please join the MHC Peninsula Club for ice cream at your desired location on Mountain Day at 18:37 EDT!
Or later at 18:37 PDT!
All are welcome! We hope you’ll take a picture and share with the community using #MtnDayMHC on any social media channel.
Here are some ways to celebrate Mountain Day wherever you are!
Since the pandemic kept us from hiking together last year, this fall we’ll hold adventures in several locations, and you’re welcome to any or all of them! Be sure to pack a picnic lunch. All hikes start at 10 a.m. For details or to sign up, RSVP in advance. Check out our events page for info about our hikes in Cowell Purisima Ranch Trail, Nisene Marks, and The Baylands.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, we hope you’ll take a picture and share with the community using #MtnDayMHC on any social media channel. And check out some ways to celebrate Mountain Day where ever you are!
a) A group of Bay Area MHC alums from the ’80s decade meeting for lunch every few months
b) Sometimes it’s the same women, but often there are new faces
c) No kids or partners, just MHC ’80s decade alums spending quality time chatting, eating, and laughing
d) A bunch of ’80s alums sharing ideas, reminiscing about MHC, commiserating with each other about life events, and having a good time
e) All of the above
The answer? E, all of the above!
Three years ago, I attended the annual MHC decades brunch gathering. I left feeling invigorated! What a wonderful time with Mount Holyoke women in my age group and stage of life. “Why wait another year?” I thought to myself. “We should get together more often!” After getting permission, I started organizing regular lunches at restaurants all over the Peninsula and more recently on Zoom. Now that the pandemic is more under control, this summer we’re meeting outside in a park. So, if you’re from the ’80s decade and want to join us, please email MHC Pen Club (mhcpenclub@gmail.com) for more info. And if you’re from another decade, you can start your own Lunch Bunch. It’s super easy. Contact me, and I’ll share my system. You eat lunch anyway, so why not spend 1 or 2 hours escaping for some me-time with other MHC alums!
editors note: MHC Pen Club can put you in touch with Karen if you want to set up your own decades meet up.
By Barbara Monks ‘70
The Alumnae Association of Mount Holyoke College recognizes and celebrates college and association volunteers for their efforts and accomplishments. In its recognition system, the association also acknowledges volunteer activities that are external to Mount Holyoke.
There are two committees that are organized at the association level comprising alumnae from a span of class years, geographic areas, and backgrounds: Internal Awards and External Awards. These committees meet each year starting in July to choose candidates who will receive honors at the association’s annual meeting at reunions on campus. Awardees are chosen from each year’s reunion classes.
All alumnae are eligible for the following awards. Please review the list and consider nominating another alumna or yourself! Nominations are due by July 31 st each year for the following calendar year’s annual meeting. A list of award winners from the Mount Holyoke Club of the Peninsula appears at the end of this article.
LIST OF AWARDS:
Alumnae Medal of Honor
Loyalty Award
Alumna Volunteer Leadership Award
Mary Graham Davis Leadership Award
Innovator Award
Achievement Award
Mary Lyon Award
Descriptions of and eligibility for each of these honors can be found on the Alumnae Association website.
PENINSULA CLUB MEMBERS WHO HAVE RECEIVED RECOGNITION:
Alumnae Medal of Honor
Marilyn U. Bauriedel, 1964
Elizabeth D. Archambeault, 1965
Alicia Irene Barela, MD, 1965
Nancie L. Fimbel, PhD, 1968
Barbara Cooke Monks, 1970
Eleanor Chang, 1978
Nancy L. Sun, 1980
Loyalty Award
Barbara M. Derbyshire, 1960
Anne Wagner Raphael, 1962
Joanne Griffith Domingue, 1965
Janet Hickey Tague, 1966
Barbara Cooke Monks, 1970
Jerienne M. Barrett, 1983
Achievement Award
Lydia J. Young, PhD
Mary Lyon Award
Alexandra J. Baran, 1977
Maureen A. Callanan, 1978
Ashfia Huq, 1996
Sarah Cureton Chinn, PhD, 1997
