Brigham Hall was named in honor of Mary Brigham, the eighth president of Mount Holyoke, whose tragic death en route to her official appointment rocked the campus community. Brigham Hall was hailed after its construction as “expressive of the strength and beauty of her character.” Students today adore Brigham Hall for its spacious rooms, enticing dumbwaiter, and ideal location close to classes, the library, and the Village Commons.

As the first hall to replace the Seminary Building, which burned to the ground in October 1896, Brigham Hall represents the strength of will and giving spirit that empowers all Mount Holyoke students and alumnae.

After the fire, trustees of the College voted to build new halls at once. The construction was made possible by donations from many benefactors and alumnae contributors. Money enough to build four new dorms was raised within a year of the tragic fire. Generous gifts given by the alumnae clubs of New York and Brooklyn allowed for this first residence hall to be “the most beautiful in its appointments” of all the new houses being built on campus, though the students living in it were likely just happy for a roof over their heads in the cold Massachusetts winter.

Dedicated to the memory and legacy of Elizabeth Mead, Mead Hall is one of the most beloved dorms on campus. Situated comfortably between Woolley Circle and Blanchard Campus Center, Mead is valued for its beautiful architecture, well-appointed common spaces, and prominent location on the south face of Skinner Green.

President of the College from 1890 to 1900, Elizabeth Mead was an instrumental changemaker in the formation of Mount Holyoke as we know it today. Dedicated to upholding the “imperishable name of Mary Lyon,” she was key in ushering Mount Holyoke through its transition from female seminary to full-fledged college. Mead, the first principal or president who was not a Mount Holyoke alumna, brought fresh perspectives and wise insight to her presidency.

On the occasion of Mount Holyoke’s 75th anniversary, the Skinner family of Holyoke and South Hadley promised to construct a classroom building for non-laboratory academics, but only if the College succeeded in raising a sufficient total with its Half Million Dollar Fund.

Mount Holyoke students visiting Blanchard Campus Center today have a much different dress code than that of alumnae past! Built as the school’s gymnasium, Blanchard now functions as the campus social hub and beloved watering hole. Gone are the bloomers and full-body bathing suits of the early 1900s, when students practiced routines with “Indian clubs” and exercised gracefully in gymnastics classes. Today, Blanchard teems with students in down jackets and furry boots stocking up on coffee between classes, checking their mail, or grabbing a quick bite at the cafe. 

More than 2,000 higher education, industry, and government leaders—including Mount Holyoke College President Lynn Pasquerella—are gathering in Washington, D.C., January 21–24 to discuss the value of liberal arts education and its role in preparing future global leaders.

This time of year, I make a point of looking out my office window. Here at Mount Holyoke College, I have a good view of the local bus stop. At the end of the semester, I like to spend a few moments watching students board buses as they head home for winter break.