In December 2021, Hollins University announced the largest single gift in its history and the largest donation ever received by a women’s college: $75 million from an anonymous alumna to exclusively fund scholarships and address undergraduate financial need for undergraduate students.
To recognize the one-year anniversary of this extraordinary gift, a group of alumnae/i came together and presented a challenge to members of The 1842 Society, the premier recognition society for annual donors to Hollins: The group promised to contribute $75,000 to the Hollins Fund, which provides nearly 11% of the university’s operating budget, if 75 alumnae/i and friends committed $1,842 or more by December 31, 2022.
Thanks to the generosity of 1842 Society members, Hollins exceeded the “75” challenge with 111 donors committing to this level of giving.
“The anonymous alumna who gave the $75 million gift intended it as a statement of confidence, a rallying cry for the enduring power and importance of the Hollins mission,” said Vice President for Institutional Advancement Anita Walton. “This overwhelming response demonstrates a firm belief in the future of Hollins and celebrates the transformative power a Hollins education offers her students. We offer a huge ‘thank you’ to our alumnae/i who led the challenge and to all who contributed.”
Walton extended the university’s gratitude to everyone who has supported, and continues to give, to the Hollins Fund during this fiscal year, which ends June 30. “The Hollins Fund is a great way for alumnae/i and community members to express their love for Hollins. Your gifts help open a world of possibility for our students.”
To learn more about how to make a gift to Hollins, visit https://www.hollins.edu/alumnae/giving/.
