Why I Give

Alumnae tell why they give to MHC:

Lisa Ali 1979
I cannot overstate how formative Mount Holyoke was for me. The further away from MHC I’ve gotten in life--a master’s at Georgetown, a long career in finance--the more I’ve realized how crucial and valuable Mount Holyoke was in shaping who I am. The school’s intellectual rigor and extraordinary student body taught me how to really think. And it gave me the encouragement and confidence to trust those thoughts. Besides, of course, having had the time of my life on one of the world’s most beautiful campuses!

Rita Boie Arthur 1977
I received financial aid that made it possible for me to attend Mount Holyoke. I give now to pass the opportunity forward to other young women. My appreciation and awareness of the “uncommon-ness” of the Mount Holyoke environment and the quality education the College offers has only increased in the years following my graduation.

Karen Scarano Bell 1985
The reason I give to Mount Holyoke College is to “pay it forward.” You see, when I graduated, I was asked to write a note to the donors of the scholarship funds I received over the four years I was at MHC. It was very powerful knowing that those particular people, no longer some nameless source of financial aid, were responsible for a part of my education. In some small way, I hope my annual gifts continue to pay forward the good deeds of those donors who blessed me.

Melanie Carino 1992
I believe the world needs leaders and MHC grooms leaders. I chose Mount Holyoke because I wanted the whole college experience. In the end, I got a good education and the extras. I couldn’t have gone through my four years at Mount Holyoke without a pretty generous financial aid package. I knew part of that aid came from the support of alums. I made up my mind a long time ago that I would give what I could.

Sherri Cartwright FP 2008
The years I spent at MHC were challenging--both academically, and being a member of the residential community, particularly at the age of 61. However, the encouragement that I received, and the friendliness of my fellow students made my life on campus close to perfect. The staff and the professors were always kind, helpful, and supportive. I learned to believe that there was nothing I couldn’t accomplish--anything was possible. I hope that by donating to MHC, I am, in a small way, helping the College to continue its tradition of education women and allowing every scholar to realize her dreams.

Leslie Fu Pang 1997
Without MHC I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I’m forever grateful for the way it inspired me to move out of my comfort zone, empowered me to face challenges head on, to be proud of who I am and what I know. Being on the tennis team for all four years of my college career made me develop as a team player, putting the focus off of oneself for the greater good of the team. I believe this has been a definite asset in my professional career. All in all, my experiences at MHC have shaped who I am today and I know only to repay them through my donations.

K. C. Maurer 1984
I give to Mount Holyoke because of what Mount Holyoke has given to me: the confidence to be my own person, the tools to think analytically and write lyrically, the skills to compete professionally in a field that I love, and a lifetime of great friendships with spectacular women. I am who I am today, in part, because of my Mount Holyoke experience. I’d like to think that my gift to Mount Holyoke will propel another unassuming small town gal to have a life that is as fulfilling as mine is.

Margot Duysen McCullers 1969
I have fond memories of my four years at Mount Holyoke. I appreciate how Mount Holyoke’s environment contributed to my personal and educational development, and I enthusiastically endorse the College’s continuing commitment to women. Forty-four years ago, I chose Mount Holyoke because I wanted a school that encouraged me to strive to achieve my full potential. I made the right decision. Mount Holyoke promotes individual self-fulfillment and academic excellence within a supportive and caring community. I contribute to the College in appreciation for what I received and with the hope that the College can provide similar experiences for others.

Loren R. Robertson 2006
During my junior year, walking on that gorgeous campus between classes under the trees, I had this brilliantly clear thought, “Yes! I can really do anything! I can!”--and I truly believed that. I felt I had finally begun to inhabit my own body and mind, and I knew I would remember that moment forever. I refer to this moment many times during life’s continual challenges and I thank the nurturing, safe yet pushing-boundaries space that Mount Holyoke created for this kind of inner support.

Aislin Rocamora 2005
I loved my time at Mount Holyoke. The friendships that I made during that time are some of my dearest and closest friends even though we don’t talk every day. Basically, whenever I think about MHC, it makes me happy and I want other women to have those same adventures and experiences I had. I talk with other friends that I’ve made during grad school and I don’t know if I would have gone down the same path, such as going abroad, if I had attended a different school. And I can’t wait for Reunion 2010 to see everyone again!

Cristina Rodriguez 2004
As an international student, I never thought it could have been feasible for me to study in the USA but MHC made it possible through its substantial support: a generous scholarship and an affordable loan. Since graduation I promised to myself to collaborate with the projects the school needs to accomplish, especially the annual scholarship fund in order to support the dreams of women around the world who have the potential to make a difference. I honestly hope one day to have enough resources to give back what the school has done for me.

Jessica C. G. Stitson 1995
I give because attending Mount Holyoke was one of the best experiences of my life. If I did not receive the generous financial aid package that MHC gave me, I would not have been able to attend. MHC was a very welcoming community for me both athletically and academically. I will always treasure my four (too short) years. When I visit, I imagine myself back and hope that the current students have the experiences I did. The professors and coaches are inspiring. I thank MHC often.