Gratefully Yours

Caitlin Healey 2009
- Manchester, NH
During high school I could never have fathomed that I would be able to attend a prestigious college like Mount Holyoke simply because I had no way of paying for it. I was attracted to MHC’s strong academics, tight-knit community and pastoral campus. The deal breaker for me was ample financial aid that made a private education a reality, not just a wish or dream.
I can’t picture what the landscape of my world will look like once I leave Mount Holyoke. I do know that my empowering experience has given me the skills and ability to negotiate almost any situation. Without financial help from sources like the Annual Fund Scholarship, I would have never tasted the success I’ve had the past four years.

Kari Tomlinson 2009
- Raleigh, NC
Mount Holyoke has been the first place to truly strengthen and encourage my academic efforts, and I am grateful for the wonderful opportunities I have been given. I have excellent professors who have made me feel comfortable and confident enough to fulfill our high academic standards, and unforgetable friends who have taught me many lessons about myself.

Faye Stevens 2011
- Asheville, NC
I chose to attend Mount Holyoke College because as soon as I stepped onto this campus I immediately recognized a strong presence of history, a supportive community, intellectually stimulating people, and a high regard for the importance of women’s education... In just the year and a half that I have spent on this campus, I already feel that I have grown immeasurably both intellectually and personally, as an independent, thinking woman in today’s society. You have my utmost gratitude for helping me and women like me to achieve their dreams. Thank you.

Eleanor Langstaff 2009
- Beverly, MA
One of the things I will miss most at Mount Holyoke is the sense of community. I will miss the stimulating conversations over milk and cookies. I will also miss the traditions of Big Sister/Little Sister and elfing that bring students together. I believe one would be hard-pressed to find such a unique, challenging, and supportive atmosphere that we enjoy here at Mount Holyoke.
Your generous gift has allowed me the opportunity to challenge myself intellectually and meet amazing women who will be life-long friends.

Krasina Koleva 2009
- Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
My experience at Mount Holyoke was life-changing. Moung Holyoke challenged me academicaly and encouraged me to push myself beyond the limits of what I consider possible, which has helped build my character and made me realize my future goals. We are a very international community, which has given me the opportunity to interact with people from many different cultures and countries and gain an understanding of people who have grown up in a very different culture from my own. Mount Holyoke has also given me the strength and confidence to believe in my dreams and pursue them.

Heather Van Werkhooven FP 2009
- Cummington, MA
Mount Holyoke has enabled me to reach higher than I ever thought possible. During my three years at this college I have had an opportunity to explore various academic interests through experiences both within the classrom and outside of it. In the fall of 2007, I traveled to Oman where I was able to put to use Arabic I had learned in the classroom. I participated in a program which focused on anthropology, development, and political culture in the region, helping me to realize the potential applications of my academic interest in a real world context. My growth as an individual and a student, and my ability to become a participating and influential member of the world around me, could not hve been possibe without this school.

Kirsten Palmer 2010
- Charleston, SC
Thank you again for your continuous generosity. The road to funding a Mount Holyoke education is difficult, but certainly possible with the tremendous support from kind-hearted people like you. I am forever grateful for the help I have received that enables me to take advantage of the world of opportunities found on this campus. The Mount Holyoke spirit of giving is truly inspirational.

Molly Alvin 2010
- Orleans, MA
Not a single day goes by without feeling incredibly blessed and grateful to be a student at this amazing college. I can’t help but continually fall in love with everything about it. In fact, now that I am finishing my junior year, I am beginning to feel anxious about graduating—I don’t want to!
There is so much that I want to be part of, and I find that the most frustrating part of my experience at Mount Holyoke is that I can’t do everything. My passion to learn is constantly expanding. That’s just one thing I love about Mount Holyoke; it’s an environment where learning is not only expected, but encouraged in the most enlightening way.

Katerine Santana 2010
- Bronx, NY
Mount Holyoke College molds women to become leaders that go on to make a difference in the world by teaching them to face challenges not hide from them.
I thank you for your generosity and hope that you continue to support Mount Holyoke College. My education in this institution would not be possible without generous alumnae like you, who I am sure still remember their own incredible Mount Holyoke experience.

Elissa Center 2009
- Schenectady, NY
Although I don't know where I may be in ten years, I know that I will be happy with the direction my life has taken and the way I have followed my passions. Mount Holyoke has given me invaluable tools that will help me as I continue to learn and grow. The education is unparalleled, the support of professors and the student body is wonderful, and my overall experience has been life-changing. Thank you again for helping to make this a possibility!

Ximena Gomez 2009
- Houston, TX
Being a student at Mount Holyoke has been an incredible experience.
I knew I wanted to attend an all-women’s college and Mount Holyoke was my first choice of the remaining Seven Sisters schools. The nurturing environment of the college allowed me to transform from a shy first year into a confident senior. The College’s many resources gave me the opportunity to study abroad twice, in Costa Rica for a summer and in Rome last spring, both of which were life-changing experiences. Also, it has been absolutely wonderful to live in a place as beautiful as the Pioneer Valley.