In President Hinton’s introductory letter to this issue, she references having seen two popular films (Barbie and Oppenheimer) over the summer. She then notes, “As I watched these films, my hope was that Hollins will continue to build a world where women will play a more substantial, central, role in the plot.” 

At Hollins, women have been the central theme, and played a central role in the plot since its earliest days. Her agency. Her empowerment. Finding and using her voice. 

Hollins’ recently approved, updated – and significantly shorter – mission statement reflects the institution’s need to honor its founding vision while creating space and embracing the societal challenges and opportunities that have arisen since 1842. “We lift our eyes, Levavi Oculos, to create a just future as we build on our past,” it concludes. Our understanding of what a “just future” looks like has evolved, and it will continue to evolve in the decades to come. 

This summer issue is, perhaps more than usual, focused on honoring the past upon which Hollins continues building. We remember a beloved professor, Richard Dillard, and the indelible influence and inspiration he provided for so many of his students over almost 60 years. We honor the legacy of the lacrosse program that endured for slightly longer – almost 70 years – celebrating its peak of success, falling just shy of a national championship in 1979, to the recent years-long struggle to field a full team. And, finally, we raise a glass (full of whatever liquid you may prefer for the occasion!) to the Williamson Road Apartments, which were demolished this summer after over 50 years of housing happy Hollins students. Sarah Achenbach ’88 was a proud inhabitant during her later student years and took on a piece that meant so much to her and a great many others who cherish their memories in those apartments.