As Hollins heads into its 175^th year, alumnae kindled a celebratory mood in early June during reunion 2016. You’ll find photos and other details about this year’s congregation of classes (those ending in six and one, plus the class of 2014). In all, more than 435 gathered on campus for the event.

Be sure to check out “Beale Memorial Garden at Reunion,” an ode to this special space by garden writer Kathy “Huddy” Hudson ’71, who visited campus for her 45^th reunion.

For a big look at our 175^th year, visit www.hollins.edu/175. Here you’ll find 175 moments in our history, profiles of distinguished alumnae/i, and a calendar of upcoming events, including such speakers as Donna Brazile, Olympia Snowe, and Gwen Ifill.

Hollins’ multipronged alumnae engagement initiative enhances the university experience in a number of ways, including how students find and benefit from internships. This issue highlights significant ways in which alumnae are making a difference, as Judy Lambeth ’73 explains in her introductory essay, “Alumnae Engagement at Hollins: It’s Not Four Years—It’s for Life.” Part of the success of the program stems from focus on key cities: New York (“Getting Down to Business in New York City”), Washington, D.C. (“Building a Power Network” by Sindhu Hirani Blume ’93), and—for first-year students—Roanoke (“Getting the Jump on Real-World Experience” by Jeff Hodges M.A.L.S. ’11). Beth JoJack’s [’98] article, “Internships as Entrées into Careers,” is about three students who used internships to help them decide on a career direction.

In the Loop contains an announcement of the retirement of President Nancy Oliver Gray, who will be stepping down at the end of the 2016-17 academic year. A future edition of this magazine will contain a tribute to President Gray and highlight the many ways her leadership has made a positive difference to the university.

Jean Holzinger M.A.L.S. ’11
Editor