President Nancy Oliver Gray delivers good news about the Alumnae Engagement Initiative.

As I’ve been writing and speaking about Hollins’ Alumnae Engagement Initiative in Hollins magazine and at alumnae gatherings around the country, many people on and off campus have been working hard to launch this ambitious four-part plan. I’m pleased to be able to report some significant results.

Thanks to the leadership of the National Steering Committee, chaired by Judy Lambeth ’73, our signature internship program is quickly becoming a distinctive, competitive advantage for Hollins. These “curated” internships allow students to broaden their career horizons and narrow their focus in the world of work. Guided by Jenny Van Leeuwen Harrington ’97 in New York City and Suzy Mink ’74 in Washington, D.C., we had a combined total of 28 students completing internships during the month of January and a total of 20 additional students completing internships sponsored by alumnae throughout the country. Our goal for next year is to secure over 50 internships sponsored by alumnae. In addition, our third Career Connections Conference (C3) is scheduled for October 20. If you are interested in participating in these activities, contact Ashley Glenn, director of the career center (aglenn@hollins.edu or (540) 362-6938).

The results of our admitted student questionnaire demonstrate the importance of this effort:

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Strong-to-deciding influencers for enrolled students

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2013-14 alumnae referrals

Alumnae participation in admission has also increased significantly over the past year, and as you can see below, a significant number of students enrolling this fall were referred by alumnae. It’s easy to refer a student online at www.hollins.edu/refer.
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Giving to the Hollins Fund

Under the leadership of Alumnae Board President Judy Morrill ’84 and past president Frances Leitner ’73, the board is focusing on alumnae-to-alumnae engagement, including revitalizing alumnae chapters. Through the special efforts of former board member Marnie Vanderpoel ’76 and new member Elizabeth Joyce ’96, merchandise in the bookshop is being refreshed, and other efforts are under way to make it easier for our alumnae to purchase Hollins-related gift items. We are also working on offering additional opportunities for continuing education and travel.

As a result of the remarkable generosity from this year’s reunion classes, we raised nearly $3.6 million for the Hollins Fund, an all-time record. Kudos to the class of 1964, ably led by Suzie Reno, Suzanne Taylor, and Sarah Holland, who set a new 50^th reunion class record with a class gift of $1,058,603 and 72 percent participation. Collectively, these gifts to the Hollins Fund represent 10 percent of our operating budget. Given that financial aid is the fastest-growing component of the budget, these gifts make it possible for us to provide merit- and need-based scholarships so that talented students have access to a Hollins education.
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Millions of Dollars:
Values each year:
2010: 2.875
2011: 2.826
2012: 2.95
2013: 3.02
2014: 3.6
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Thank you for your remarkable gifts of time, talent, and treasure during the 2013-14 academic year. We look to you for even greater engagement in the year ahead.