Hollins University has taken a monumental step toward expanding access to higher education for women nationwide, securing $4.9 million in generous challenge grants. These funds will fully support the first two cohorts of the national HOPE Scholars program and the exciting transformation of the historic West Hall, breathing new life into one of the campus’s cherished landmarks and beloved residence halls. Both projects are directly aligned with and further Hollins’ Transforming Learning, Transforming Lives: Levavi Oculos Strategic Plan.
A group of extraordinarily generous donors are inviting and challenging the Hollins community and supporters to match their gifts by June 30, 2025. All contributions, aside from gifts directed to the Hollins Fund, will count toward these goals, with every dollar donated matched on a 1:1 basis. These challenges secure the launch of the Hollins Opportunity for Promise through Education (HOPE) Scholarship. HOPE Scholarships support the direct costs of attendance (tuition, housing and food, and fees) for selected eligible new first-year students with a family household income of $65,000 or less.
“Hollins is deeply grateful for the transformational philanthropy that inspires those who believe in women’s education.” said Hollins President Mary Dana Hinton. “At a time where supporting women’s education is essential, these commitments underscore the university’s mission of providing a life-changing education to students who might not otherwise have access to a residential liberal arts experience. The HOPE program builds a stronger future for the students we serve and for Hollins by ensuring that talented students from across the country can benefit from our rigorous academic program and supportive residential environment.”
The HOPE Scholarship program, originally established in 2021, initially provided full tuition coverage for students within a 40-mile radius of Roanoke, Virginia. Because of its immediate and enduring success, Hollins expanded the program to offer scholarships for students nationwide. In addition to covering full tuition the program includes room and board, providing a truly immersive college experience.
Funds raised by the challenge grants will also support renovations to West Hall. Situated on the original site of the Botetourt Springs resort, and one of the oldest and most iconic buildings on campus, West is known for its spacious rooms and elegant design. Part of the Hollins College Quadrangle, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, the cherished landmark is perfectly situated for a highly efficient and renewable geothermal sourced heating and cooling system which naturally links a modern application to its historic roots.
“Hollins is a place where tradition and innovation meet,” Debbie Meade, Chair of the Board of Trustees emphasized. “The Hope Scholarship and West Hall initiatives reflect our commitment to preserving what makes Hollins unique while boldly preparing for the future. With the support of our alumnae, parents, and friends, we can unlock the potential of the next generations of Hollins women.”
With multiple challenge grants in place, Hollins University invites its community to match these funds and reach the combined $4.9 million target by June 30, 2025. Achieving these goals strengthens Hollins’ standing as a leader in higher education for women, the central goal of our strategic plan.
For more information on the challenge criteria and to contribute to the HOPE Scholarship or West renovation challenge, please visit www.hollins.edu/giveonline or contact Hollins University’s Institutional Advancement Office at (540) 362-6498.
