Meet Lanie Richards ’21, who hails from Orange Park, Florida. Majoring in psychology and education, she was drawn to Mount Holyoke because of its academic rigor as well as it’s welcoming community. On campus, she’s also a research assistant in the Office of Advancement, a member of the MHC Rugby Football Club and an SGA Senator for the Rugby team.

Because no two college journeys are alike and academic success hinges upon personal wellbeing, Mount Holyoke provides professionals across campus — specializing in student programs, residential life, diversity and inclusion, religious and spiritual life, health, counseling and accessibility — who provide the resources, support and programs to help every student thrive on campus and beyond. This vibrant community of student scholars needs you.

In preparation for my first year at Mount Holyoke, I asked a lot of alums about their residential experience. Though many said that they had a mostly positive experience, some students mentioned that they wished their dorm halls felt like more of a community. I quickly realized that I would not enjoy living in a dorm where I felt as though I would not know my neighbors.

I was fortunate to arrive at Mount Holyoke just as the Shirley Chisholm Living-Learning Community (LLC) was beginning its second year on campus. The “Shirley” was created to provide a supportive space for students of African and Caribbean descent. As a black girl coming from Ghana, I was not sure I would be able to find a community well-suited for me. Even as I moved into the Shirley, I had my doubts about whether or not I would find my people.

Meet Emily Carle ’21, a religion major from Newington, Connecticut. Emily fell in love with Mount Holyoke’s academic offerings, vibrant spiritual life and endless opportunities for involvement within the campus community. In addition to the numerous clubs and organizations that she’s involved with on campus, Emily is also the youth director at Center Church in South Hadley and an intern for Cathedral in the Night, an outdoor Christian community in downtown Northampton. She also manages an instagram account featuring photos of Mount Holyoke (@picturesofmhc) and enjoys skiing, eating, watching the Patriots and researching her family genealogy.

Today, April 10, marks the 139th birthday anniversary of Frances Perkins, class of 1902. Long before women's liberation was a part of our vocabulary, Frances was a trailblazer for generations of women who would follow her. As the first female Cabinet member in the nation's history, this remarkable woman tussled with politicians, industrial management and labor leaders in her capacity as Secretary of Labor, fighting for the rights of working people everywhere.

Meet Penni Martorell FP’05, who found a lifelong community of friends when she began at Mount Holyoke as a Frances Perkins Scholar. An art history major, Penni’s education gave her the opportunity to work in libraries and museums, opening up doors to a profession with which she fell in love. She still calls the Pioneer Valley home and is grateful for the confidence that her time at Mount Holyoke instilled in her.

Meet Julie Ogg FP’22, who lives with her family in Belchertown, Massachusetts. An anthropology major, Julie has worked at Mount Holyoke for more than 15 years - first in the Alumnae Association and now in the Office of Advancement. She calls her experience as a Frances Perkins Scholar "transformative" and draws inspiration not just from her professors, but also from the strength and intellect of her fellow classmates. Through her coursework, she has discovered a passion for women's health and looks forward to completing her training as a certified doula this summer.

Before I transferred to Mount Holyoke at the beginning of my sophomore year, I remember browsing the Student Life section of the College’s website and learning about the many traditions that take place on campus each year. In particular, I recall watching a video of the 2016 Convocation, which featured a faculty flash mob dancing to “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake. This moment, though seemingly inconsequential, cemented my decision to attend.

The Division of Student Life complements and enhances every aspect of the Mount Holyoke College student experience. With professionals across campus — specializing in student programs, residential life, diversity and inclusion, religious and spiritual life, health, counseling and accessibility — the team provides the resources and support that students need to craft a college journey rooted in wellness. And fun!

Since its founding, Mount Holyoke has been a part of the tradition of strong women in the United States. This March, as we celebrate Women’s History Month, we look back at its origins and how it came to be.

The beginnings of Women’s History Month began with the first celebrated International Women’s Day on March 19, 1911. On this day, more than one million women and men attended rallies campaigning for women's rights to work, vote, be trained, hold public office and end discrimination.