Much of this issue celebrates the inauguration of Hollins’ 12th president, Pareena G. Lawrence, who was inducted into the roster of university leaders on February 24 (“Today. Tomorrow. Together.”). Those who couldn’t be on campus can enjoy the day through photos and excerpts from the many welcoming speeches, including the passages from the keynote speech by Indra K. Nooyi, chair and chief executive officer of PepsiCo.

In support of the theme of President Lawrence’s inauguration, “Living a Life of Consequences: Hollins Students Changing the World,” each academic division selected a student to be profiled who embodies the theme. You’ll meet Alexus Smith ’19, an English major who is a member of the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities; Lorato Sekwababe ’19, a business major who wants to make her native country of Botswana “a hub of business ethics”; Natasha G. Bestrom ’18, a biology major who came to Hollins as a Horizon student and discovered the joys of doing research on marine ecosystems; and Meera Chauhan ’19, a studio art major whose work has already been chosen for a regional exhibition.

The day before President Lawrence’s inauguration, she participated in the dedication ceremony for the Dana Science Building, whose interior has been completely revamped, with new labs, offices, lobby, and study spaces. “Science by Design” features photos from the dedication, along with text by three professors about how the renovations enhance the student and teaching experience.

President Lawrence has been on the job since last July, and one of her immediate priorities has been to engage the campus audiences, including alumnae, in strategic planning for Hollins’ future. In her essay, she makes a clear case for the importance of planning. “We must think boldly and move bold thinking into action,” she writes.

Sarah Jackson M.A. ’14 writes a moving tribute, “Show, don’t tell,” to Amanda Cockrell ’69, M.A. ’88, who retires this year after having served for decades as the director of the children’s literature graduate programs.

In “Becoming Who You Were Meant to Be,” Jeff Hodges M.A.L.S. ’11 writes about Karen Cardozo, who came to Hollins last year as the new executive director of career development, with years of experience helping students prepare for life after college.

Sarah Achenbach ’88 ends on a light note in “Remembering Life Before the Commas,” as she anticipates feeling the years melt away when she sees her classmates for their 30th reunion.

Jean Holzinger M.A.L.S. ’11
Guest Editor