Class Business

Class Honoraries

Danielle R. Holley, B.A., J.D. 2025--

20th President of Mount Holyoke College and Professor of Politics

Former Dean of the Howard University School of Law

Sonya Stephens, B.A., M.A., Ph.D. 2020--

13th President of The American University of Paris

19th President of Mount Holyoke College and Professor of French

Eleanor R. Townsley, B.A., M.A., Ph.D. 2020--

Andrew W. Mellon Professor of Sociology and Director of Nexus

Nexus Track Chair for Journalism, Media, and Public Discourse

Mount Holyoke College

Uploaded to class web site: 4/28/2025

Short History

Presented at 60th Reunion Weekend Alumnae Association Meeting

As the Class of 1965 marks its 60th “Diamond Jubilee” Reunion, we appreciate and celebrate

our years at Mount Holyoke.

Most class members blew into South Hadley on September 21st and 22nd, 1961, in the arms

of Esther, a Category 3 hurricane one day and a tropical storm the next. The strength and

challenges of that storm did not deter us.

Esther means “star,” and Esther's luminous properties adhered to the adolescent women of

'65 who inclusively shared them with later-arriving classmates.

During our undergraduate years, we capitalized on that star energy.

We studied and explored various subjects, testing the boundaries of our thinking and learning

from professors and other students; played sports on teams or for fun; participated in dance,

theatre, and musical performances; held student government offices; dated; bonded and got

to know each other, forming friendships lasting through the years. We attended

convocations and Arts in Performance and participated in political rallies, election

campaigning, and community service. We partook of “Gracious Living” and “Milk and

Crackers.” We honed our postures in “Basic” and practiced the twist.

Throughout our diverse Mount Holyoke experiences, we had time to learn, to explore, and to

grow. We matured into well-rounded young women.

Being the “Uncommon Women” of the Class of 1965, throughout our lives, we have drawn on

that Mount Holyoke background, augmented by Esther's star energy, for the good of

ourselves and for the good of others.

Dotsy

Dorothy B. Derick, President

Mount Holyoke College 60th Reunion Class (2020-2025)

Uploaded to class web site: 7/5/2025

Long History Prepared for 60th Reunion Book

As the Class of 1965 marks its 60th “Diamond Jubilee” Reunion, we appreciate and celebrate

our years at Mount Holyoke.

Most class members blew into South Hadley on September 21 and 22, 1961, in the arms of

Esther, a Category 3 hurricane one day and a tropical storm the next. The strength and

challenges of that storm did not deter us.

Esther means “star,” and Esther's luminous properties adhered to the adolescent women of

'65 who inclusively shared them with later-arriving classmates.

During our undergraduate years, we capitalized on that star energy.

We studied and explored various subjects, testing the boundaries of our thinking and learning

from professors and other students; played sports on teams or for fun; participated in dance,

theatre, and musical performances; held student government offices; dated; bonded and got

to know each other, forming friendships lasting through the years. We attended

convocations and Arts in Performance and participated in political rallies, election

campaigning, and community service. We partook of “Gracious Living” and “Milk and

Crackers.” We honed our posture in “Basic” and practiced the twist.

Throughout our diverse Mount Holyoke experiences, we had time to learn, to explore, and to

grow. We matured into well-rounded young women.

Following graduation, we branched out into work in different fields, advanced study in many

disciplines, personal relationships and families of many different kinds, and volunteer efforts

in many areas. We continued the passions, pursuits, and play of our undergraduate years;

and we ventured into the new, the different, and the unknown. We continuously strategized

and broke the glass ceiling, advocated for equal pay for equal work and life/work balance,

and shared the “how to” with the women coming afterward. We embraced travel and

rusticating and hobbies and interests familiar and comfortable or new and challenging. We

maintained our connections to our classmates and other Mount Holyoke women. Although

our ventures were sometimes exploratory, unfolding, and new, we had confidence from our

Mount Holyoke years to say, no matter what may have come our way--Yes, I can.

Our volunteer efforts, both in time and in treasure, have served our alma mater in many

different ways: as College Trustees, as Alumnae Association Directors and Committee

Members, as Class Officers and Class Agents, as Club Officers, and as volunteers in many

other capacities. Individually, we have been awarded an Honorary Degree and Alumnae

Association Awards; as a class, we have received Alumnae Association Awards for our

generosity.

Being the “Uncommon Women” of the Class of 1965, throughout our lives, we have drawn on

that Mount Holyoke background, augmented by Esther's star energy, for the good of

ourselves and for the good of others.

To this day, our star energy comes through in big and in small ways. It is ours to call on and

to share, from the largest beam to a tiny bright twinkle to the softest glow.

As you know, my mantra for our class is the JOY OF CLASSMATING. “Classmating” is a noun of

the eighteenth century, first used by John Adams, and, like us, has a rare and uncommon

definition: The Act and Process of Befriending Classmates. Let us continue to relish, cherish,

and treasure these friendships.

Dotsy

Dorothy B. Derick, President

Mount Holyoke College 60th Reunion Class (2020-2025)

Uploaded to class web site: 7/5/2025

Planning for Our Legacies and Taxwise Giving

On March 26, 2025, Class of '65 Mary Lyon Society Co-chairs and Mount Holyoke Director of Gift Planning Dana Gillette offered a virtual presentation on "Planning for Our Legacies and Taxwise Giving" especially for our class as we prepare for our 60th Reunion. This 30-minute presentation provided an overview of tax-efficient giving opportunities for supporting Mount Holyoke today, or tomorrow. If you would like to learn more about how you might include Mount Holyoke as part of your legacy, please contact the Office of Gift Planning.

Link to recording: https://kaltura.mtholyoke.edu/media/Class+of+1965+Gift+Planning+Presentation+3.26.25/1_051d17jd

Click here for more information about Ways to Give, including online giving and gifting securities. For information on gift planning, visit giftplanning.mtholyoke.edu.

Uploaded to class web site: 3/31/2025

March 6, 2025 Class President’s Letter

March 6, 2025

Warmest Greetings, Classmates!

I hope that all goes well with you.

This is it. Our 60th “Diamond Jubilee” Reunion May 23-25, 2025! The Reunion Committee, backed by the Board, has loved planning this event; and we certainly hope that you will be able to attend.

Excitement is running high. 86 Classmates submitted their reflections to our final Reunion Booklet which you will want to have (whether printed or as a PDF).

On Friday afternoon, the College has planned a talk by President Holley, “Back to Class” classes, and a 1965 custom-made tour of the “Fimbel Maker Space.” On Saturday, we will have the Alumnae Parade; Alumnae Association Meeting; Alumnae Luncheon; and our Class Photo on the steps of Skinner Hall. Saturday afternoon is for our class-planned events: Class Meeting; a discussion of our class read, The Exceptions: Nancy Hopkins, MIT and the Fight for Women in Science, with the author, Kate Zernike; and a special time set aside to reflect on and remember our classmates who have passed away.

Throughout the weekend, there will be several meals and social hours which will provide opportunities to enjoy being together. Sunday morning, for those so inclined, there will be time to take a walk around Upper Lake before our 60th(!) ends.

Look for up-to-the-minute Reunion Information on our Class Website (MHC65.com) (immediate access—no password required).

To review Reunion Schedules and register: https//www.mtholyoke.edu/alums/reunion.

If your joints, muscles, stamina, etc. may not be quite what they used to be, we have taken that into consideration. We expect to be housed in Mead or Wilder, centrally located, with elevators. We will be holding our Saturday afternoon events in Gamble for ease of meeting and Zoom access. If desired, there will be transportation available between event sites and the dorm. If you want to bring a companion with you, please do so. It will cost a bit more, and your guest will be able to experience the marvelous class of 1965.

The College's Archives is interested in correspondence you may have saved from your Mount Holyoke Years as well as photographs with names of subjects on backside. We will have an area for leaving and labelling.

On a more routine note, our updated five-year plan which culminates in our 60th Reunion in 2025 is below. We have continued to keep in touch through our On-Campus Mini-Reunion; our Zoom Mini Reunions, Socials, and small get-togethers; our Website; our Alumnae Quarterly Notes; etc. Please mark your calendars to join us at our last Social on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. EDT.

Our dues help cover usual costs between reunions. Dues are $25.00 for five years; please give what your budget and comfort-level permit. For ease of giving, please refer to the website (mhc65.com).

The Class of 1965 support for Mount Holyoke is legendary. Let's keep it going!

This week, March 3rd-7th is the sixth annual March4MHC Challenge. Please consider making your Mount Holyoke Fund Gift this week (March4MHC2025GIIVECAMPUS).
Please join us for a virtual presentation on Creating Your Legacy and Taxwise Giving Tips for the Class of 1965 by Dana Gillette, Director of Mount Holyoke Gift Planning, on Wednesday, March 26th, at 4:00 p.m. (giftplanning@mtholyoke.edu or 403-538-2637).

Thank you.

As you know, my mantra for our class is the JOY OF CLASSMATING. “Classmating” is a noun of the eighteenth century, first used by John Adams, and, like us has a rare and uncommon definition: The Act and Process of Befriending Classmates. Let us continue to relish, cherish, and treasure our time together, enjoying old friends and making new friends. Please join in our 60th “Diamond Jubilee” Reunion on campus this May 23rd-25th, and via Zoom May 24th.

Meet me at Mount Holyoke, n'est-ce pas?

Best wishes,

Dotsy

Dorothy B. Derick, President and Rocking Chair Rockette

Read the Five Year Plan