Mount Holyoke hosts triennial Black Alumnae Conference

Mount Holyoke hosts triennial Black Alumnae Conference

BY ANNAMARIE WIRE ’22

Over the weekend, Black Mount Holyoke alumnae from across the country and around the world returned to campus to participate in the Alumnae Association’s 15th triennial Black Alumnae Conference. This conference was of special importance this year, as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Association for Pan-African Unity (APAU), formerly the Afro-American Society, and of the founding of the Betty Shabazz Cultural Center. It was also the first-ever Black Alumnae Conference live-streamed internationally to countries in Africa and the Caribbean, as well as in the U.S.

MHN 101: Student activism from cultural houses to fighting hunger

MHN 101: Student activism from cultural houses to fighting hunger

BY MADELINE FITZGERALD ’21

It is often said that journalism is the rough draft of history and nowhere is this more apparent than on a college campus. Institutional memory is naturally short and information is held in the memories of students who are only on campus for four years before leaving forever. But what remains at the College forever is the Mount Holyoke News.

Campus ghost stories

BY AVERY MARTIN ’22

People have been telling spooky stories for centuries, and Mount Holyoke students are no exception. From the famous Wilder ghost, who is said to live in a now-indefinitely locked room in Wilder Hall, to the lesser-known story of a mental asylum in Torrey Hall, tales of campus hauntings abound. In addition to these repeated stories, students report paranormal experiences, often in their dorm rooms.

Title IX and you

BY SAEE CHITALE ’22

What is Title IX?

Title IX is a federal civil rights law passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972 that states “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Chop, chop! Students on MoHo’s famous haircut

Chop, chop! Students on MoHo’s famous haircut

BY MADELINE FITZGERALD ’21

The snipping of scissors and a pile of hair on a dorm room floor — this is the start of a Mount Holyoke tradition. It’s not one listed on the College’s Wikipedia page, nor is it mentioned on campus tours. And it is certainly not one that every student will participate in. But for many students, the MoHo Chop is as much a part of their Mount Holyoke experience as Mountain Day or M&Cs.

Emily & Sylvia: Exploring new possibilities

BY GRACE FITZGERALD ’20 COLUMNIST

We at MoRomance are all about burying the hatchet, so when we got the opportunity to set up Emily*, a hilarious and thoughtful Mount Holyoke junior with Sylvia*, a fun and flirty junior from Smith, we jumped at the opportunity! Hoping they could put school rivalry aside in the spirit of romance, we sent the pair to the Gettell Amphitheater for a movie night. The two met at the Blanchard bus stop and here’s what happened…

Stephens responds to criticisms and controversy

Stephens responds to criticisms and controversy

BY MADELINE FITZGERALD ’21

Any mention of the name Sonya Stephens is sure to stir up a heated conversation. In student Facebook groups, memes and jokes criticizing her presidency abound. And in real life, she had a sparsely attended inauguration, where the few audience members were predominantly guests from other colleges. While Stephens’ personal conduct plays a major role in this controversy, the College and indeed the nation at large is experiencing a cultural upheaval. Mount Holyoke has become a microcosm for major debates involving the diversity of race, politics and gender.

Sonya’s story: From working-class roots to Cambridge University

Sonya’s story: From working-class roots to Cambridge University

BY MADELINE FITZGERALD ’21

This is the first in a two-part series on Sonya Stephens, Mount Holyoke’s newly appointed 19th president.

Warm. Kind. Funny. Aloof. Deceptive. Racist. In her three-year tenure as acting president of Mount Holyoke, a myriad of descriptors have been thrown at Sonya Stephens. She is alternatively depicted as a kindhearted academic striving for diversity and a closed-off fundraiser known among students for her perceived insensitivity. The Board of Trustees appointed her to the presidency with “unanimous enthusiasm” but her inauguration was sparsely attended, with fewer than 50 students present.

Mountain Day coverage throughout the years

Mountain Day coverage throughout the years

BY CHLOE JENSEN ’20

Since 1917, the MHN has been reporting on every student’s favorite opportunity to skip class and enjoy the beautiful fall New England weather — Mountain Day. From climbing, to sleeping in, chanting, singing, apple-picking, drinking and relaxing, the Mount Holyoke News has always been quick to cover the much-favored campus tradition.

New chess club hopes to empower students

New chess club hopes to empower students

BY LILY REAVIS ’21

Mount Holyoke’s first chess club meeting in 22 years took place on Tuesday, Sept. 25. Linh Nguyen ’21, Austen Borg ’20 and Annegail Moreland ’20 are co-founders of the new Mount Holyoke chess club (MHCC), which was created due to several students’ collective interest. The meeting, which took place in Blanchard Hall’s Great Room, focused on the goals and vision for the club.

First-year wins international award for anti-bullying work

First-year wins international award for anti-bullying work

BY LILY REAVIS ’21

Growing up in Miami, Florida, Emily Wolman ’22 experienced verbal and emotional bullying online and in-person. In response, she founded an anti-bullying initiative called Students That Offer Peace (STOP). The club grabbed the attention of students and faculty and eventually won Wolman the Posse Scholarship and the Princess Diana Award.

Wait ­­­­— so what happens when Baby gets here in the fall? New students reflect on their first experiences of MHC traditions

Wait ­­­­— so what happens when Baby gets here in the fall? New students reflect on their first experiences of MHC traditions

Traditions like Convocation are a defining aspect of the Mount Holyoke experience. They also mark the beginning of a journey at the College for many students, including first-years. For prospective students, Mount Holyoke’s traditions are often a deciding factor for choosing the College.

Community “rattled” regarding new alcohol service on campus

Community “rattled” regarding new alcohol service on campus

BY LILY REAVIS ’21 

The first-ever legal sale of alcohol on the Mount Holyoke campus took place on Monday, Sept. 3. The new Cochary Pub & Kitchen in Blanchard Hall serves a collection of local beers and wines, all of which are available to any community members of legal drinking age.

Skinner movie date gets five-star rating

Skinner movie date gets five-star rating

BY GRACE FITZGERALD

We set up first-years Aleasha* and Daphne* on a movie date in Skinner Hall. Aleasha described herself as a “dynamic and dedicated person looking for someone caring who she could make laugh.” Daphne, a self-described film studies nerd was looking for someone to watch movies with and be close to. Their similar senses of humor and a love of film made them seem like the perfect match!

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