About Us

Mission & History

Mission Statement

The Alumnae Association of Mount Holyoke College is an independent organization that serves a worldwide network of diverse individuals, cultivates and celebrates vibrant connections among all alumnae, fosters lifelong learning in the liberal arts tradition, and facilitates opportunities for alumnae to advance the goals and values of the College.

History

In 1837, Mary Lyon founded the Memorandum Society (forerunner to the Alumnae Association), whose purpose was to focus on the permanence of the institution, the future well-being of its students, and their group solidarity as alumnae.
This was a time when women were not permitted to be trustees of colleges, and the society gave alumnae an independent voice and a financial role in the College’s future.
It was 1923 when our organization officially became the Alumnae Association of Mount Holyoke College, a 501(c)3, not-for-profit in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with its own board of directors.
Nutured by the Association, the bond between the College and its alumnae is a particularly strong one that sets the College apart from many comparable institutions.
Almost all events and communications relating to alumnae are managed by an alumnae volunteer/staff partnership.
Embodying the excellence of the College, throughout time alumnae have been willing to give of their time and money to both the College and the Association.
The Association’s independence from the College has always worked for the best interest of the College. Alumnae feel more able to speak on matters of concern and feel valued regardless of their ability to contribute financially. In addition, traditions are treasured as the College makes necessary changes.
The numbers and diversity of the alumnae body are increasing and changing exponentially. In 1970, there were 15,000 alumnae; currently there are 33,000; in 2020, we expect those numbers to reach 40,000.
As admission demographics change, so too will alumnae diversity, and the Association is preparing to meet these changes in both programming and communications.

Doing for others is just the rent you must pay for living on this earth.
—
Johnnetta B. Cole, president emeritus of Spelman College, commencement address, 1998