President Gray says in her column in this issue of Hollins magazine, “Reading this magazine is to be reminded of our exceptional strength in nurturing creative writers.”

Three articles highlight the recent accomplishments of Hollins writers:

• Sally Mann ’74, M.A. ’75 and Distinguished Visiting Professor of Creative Writing Karen Bender were both shortlisted last fall for the National Book Award. Martha Park, who earned an M.F.A. from Hollins a year ago, describes the work of these very different writers in her article, “Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary.”
• Lee Smith ’67 has written a memoir, Dimestore, and you’ll be treated to an excerpt in which she describes the valuable—and unexpected—lesson she learned as a senior when Eudora Welty spoke at Hollins.
• In “The Process of Becoming Better,” Beth JoJack ’98 writes about the recent success of playwright Meredith Dayna Levy ’12, who, when she’s not working in Hollins’ institutional advancement office, is completing the requirements for an M.F.A. in playwriting from her alma mater.

Alumnae continue to play a role in the life of Hollins, and in this issue we give two examples:

• In “More Than a Textbook Example,” Jeff Hodges M.A.L.S. ’11 writes about how special appearances last fall by alumnae in a communication studies class enriched what students were learning from their textbooks and professors.
• In Alumnae Connections, you’ll find out more about the alumnae-in-residence program, which brought five graduates to campus in March to meet with students interested in careers in area of public service.

Finally, you’re sure to find some familiar—and favorite—names on the list of those who have received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award since it was first given at Hollins, in 1952. The award goes to those who demonstrate exemplary service in daily living and is given during commencement.

Jean Holzinger M.A.L.S. ’11
Editor