Founder’s Day

February 16, 2012, 4:30 p.m., Jessie Ball duPont Chapel
Reception immediately following in the Green Drawing Room, Main Building

Hollins' annual Founder's Day program honors the birth of its founder, Charles Lewis Cocke, who was born on February 21, 1820. In addition to the convocation, members of the senior class and a member of the campus community chosen by that class process to the Cocke family cemetery at the southeast end of campus and place a wreath on Mr. Cocke's grave.

Founder's Day slideshow »

Founder's Day address (video) »

Founder's Day address (PDF) »

Speaker: Candice Ransom M.A. '07

Candice Ransom, who has never wanted to be anything else besides a children’s book writer, has published 110 books for children and young adults. Her work includes board books, picture books, easy readers, chapter books, middle grade fiction, "tween" fiction, biographies, and nonfiction. More than 45 of her books have been translated into 12 languages.

Among her popular titles are the award-winning Finding Day’s Bottom, Seeing Sky-Blue Pink, The Promise Quilt, The Big Green Pocketbook, Maria Von Trapp: Beyond the Sound of Music, When the Whippoorwill Calls, Tractor Day, Robert E. Lee, Rescue on the Outer Banks, Children of the Civil War, The Day of the Black Blizzard, and Pony Island. Her chapter book series, Time Spies, is a winner in the classroom. Readers love the fast-paced stories that blend history, biography, fantasy, mystery, and adventure. She also wrote 18 titles in the Boxcar Children series. Candice’s books have been named ALA Recommended Book for Reluctant Readers, SLJ Starred Review, New York Times 10 Best Illustrated Book, Best Science Book, CBC Notable Children’s Social Studies Book, Pick of the List, New York Public Library Best 100 Books, Book-of-the-Month Club, Virginia Young Readers List, Show Me State Readers List, Prairie State Readers List, Sunshine State Readers List, Smithsonian Notable Book, Northern California Librarians Distinguished Book, IRA Children’s Choice, IRA Teacher’s Choice, Independent Publisher Silver Medal winner, Independent Publisher Honorable Mention, William Allen White Master List.

Ransom graduated in 2004 with her M.F.A. in writing for children from Vermont College. She earned her M.A. in children's literature at Hollins University in 2007. In 2006, she taught in the brief-residency M.F.A. writing program at Spalding University. She now teaches in the M.A./M.F.A. children’s literature program at Hollins University.

Ransom will give her address on Margaret Wise Brown, as part of Hollins' yearlong Margaret Wise Brown Festival, celebrating the life and works of the beloved children's book author.

Questions?

Contact Jeff Hodges, director of public relations at (540) 362-6503 or jhodges@hollins.edu.