Reunion 2020: still so much to celebrate

The past few weeks have felt very different in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. While we are not able to connect on the beautiful grounds of our alma mater this year, we have been heartened to see the indelible Mount Holyoke spirit continue to strengthen our community. Over these past few weeks we have seen alumnae support one another virtually from around the globe, classes continue to plan ways to connect and reminisce, and thousands of alumnae stepping up to ensure the well being of our students and the financial health of the College. In these trying times, when so much is unknown, what remains certain is Mount Holyoke.

Though we cannot currently come together on campus, we want to celebrate the tremendous outpouring of support for the College, particularly from our intrepid reunion classes — classes ending in 0s and 5s, as well as the class of 2018. As of May 17, 2020, reunion classes raised an incredible $2.3 million for the College, including $1.9 million for The Mount Holyoke Fund to date this fiscal year, with many classes surpassing their goals and rising to meet (and exceed!) challenges.

Celebrating the Class of 1970’s 50th Reunion Gift

Congratulations to the class of 1970 on a tremendous fundraising effort in honor of your 50th reunion. During the past five years, the class of 1970 has raised $5.5 million for all purposes at Mount Holyoke. Of that, $1.9 million was raised specifically in support of The Mount Holyoke Fund. Furthermore, the class of 1970 can boast a five-year participation rate of 75%.

We wish to express deep appreciation for the great Class of 1970 50th Reunion Gift Team, with special recognition for the three co-chairs, Susan E. Ellis, Jean L. Olson and Martha Doolittle McIver. Your inspirational leadership has guided your class — and the College — to great success. Thank you again to the class of 1970 for your generous and loyal support of the College!

50th Reunion Gift Team

Co-chairs:

• Susan E. Ellis
• Martha Doolittle McIver
• Jean L. Olson

Members:

• Betty Jean Aldrich
• Barbara A. Kwetz Allan
• Karen M. Bigwood
• Judith L. Case
• Charlotte N. Church
• Judith Knapp Crocker
• Betsy Newell Decyk
• Helen E. Disenhaus
• Joele Frank
• Patricia Frank
• Elizabeth T. Gould
• Linda Graves
• Katherine Moore Hart
• Arleen McGrath Heiss
• Katherine H. Kendall
• Nancy A. McKenzie
• Lorrie L. Millman
• Barbara Cooke Monks
• Janet Fitch Parker
• Twila L. Perry
• Jamie W. Schwarzfeld
• Mary E Stanley

2020 Award Winners

The Sphinx Award

Awarded to the reunion class with the highest total participation in giving to Mount Holyoke during the reunion fiscal year.

2020 Sphinx Award Winners

• Reunion I: Class of 1970 (59% Participation)
• Reunion II: Class of 1955 (83% Participation)

The Pegasus Award

Awarded to the reunion class that raises the most total dollars for immediate use through The Mount Holyoke Fund during the reunion fiscal year.

2020 Pegasus Award Winners

• Reunion I: Class of 1970 ($653,394 raised for The Mount Holyoke Fund)
• Reunion II: Class of 1965 ($364,583 raised for The Mount Holyoke Fund)

The Lion Award

Awarded to the reunion class with the highest total giving to all funds and purposes during the five-year reunion cycle.

2020 Lion Award Winners

• Reunion I: Class of 1970 ($5,462,830 5-year comprehensive giving total)
• Reunion II: Class of 1960 ($3,525,562 5-year comprehensive giving total)

The Griffin Award

Awarded to the reunion class with the highest percentage of Laurel Chain Society members.

2020 Griffin Award Winners

• Reunion I: Class of 1950 (81% of class are members of the Laurel Chain Society)
• Reunion II: Class of 1955 (98% of class are members of the Laurel Chain Society)