Impact Through Philanthropy

Opening Doors. Enriching Lives. Shaping Hollins.

By Anita Branch-Brown, vice president of institutional advancement

At Hollins, the generosity of our alumnae/i and friends fuels meaningful progress across every corner of campus. From expanding scholarship support to enhancing wellness and renewing beloved spaces, your contributions are helping students thrive academically, personally, and professionally. Below, you’ll see how your support is shaping lives, strengthening traditions, and preparing today’s students to become tomorrow’s leaders.

West Hall Renovation

Preserving a Beloved Landmark. Preparing for the Future.

For generations of Hollins students, West has been more than a building. It’s a cornerstone of friendship, growth, and self-discovery. From heart-to-hearts in the hallways to Tinker Day celebrations on the Front Quad, West has been the backdrop to countless Hollins memories.

Now, we are reimagining this beloved residence hall for the future, preserving its historic charm while enhancing its function for today’s students.

Thanks to our generous donors, $8 million has been secured for the renovation of West. Phase I included updating restrooms, and construction continues through the upcoming
academic year:

• Geothermal heating and cooling for sustainability
• Elevator installation for improved accessibility
• Renovated social spaces, including a kitchen and gathering areas for student connection and community

Learn more about West Hall

Wellness

Supporting the Whole Student — Mind, Body, and Spirit

At Hollins, wellness is more than a service. It’s a way of life. Our vision reaches across every dimension of a student’s experience: physical, emotional, cultural, environmental, financial,
intellectual, occupational, social, and spiritual.

The Cynthia L. Hale Holistic Wellness Center will be the centerpiece of this vision — transforming our former gym into a modern space where students can:

• Move their bodies and restore their minds
• Explore passions and connect with peers
• Seek support and grow in every area of life

With your continued support, this dynamic hub will enhance wellness resources across campus and provide student-athletes with the training, recovery, and resilience tools they need to thrive.

We are deeply grateful to the donors who have already made a commitment.

Join us in shaping the future of wellness at Hollins.

HOPE (Hollins Opportunity for Promise through Education) Scholarship

Eliminating Barriers for High-Potential Students — and Transforming Hollins’ Future

Since 1842, when Hollins was founded to give young women the education and opportunities they were denied elsewhere, we have opened doors for generations of leaders. Our alumnae/i have shaped communities, professions, and the world.

That legacy continues today, with the same spirit and determination: when talented women are given the opportunity to sharpen their skills, pursue their passions, and discover their fullest potential in a community like ours, the result is life-changing.

But the barriers facing students today have evolved. The most pressing challenge in higher education is financial access.

As more college-bound students come from families with limited resources, we are called to act. Will we provide ambitious and talented young women with access to a Hollins education regardless of financial background?

Thanks to your support, the answer is yes.

The HOPE Scholarship has been awarded to 125 students who began their Hollins journey this fall.

Our next goal: Secure $125 million to endow HOPE to ensure that future generations of students have the same access to opportunity.

Learn more about Hollins’ commitment to access and affordability.

The Hollins Fund

Every Gift. Every Student.

The Hollins Fund has long been vital to our mission, directing support to the areas of greatest need. For years, it has provided critical assistance to students through scholarships.

Now, we’re deepening that commitment: 100% of all Hollins Fund gifts will support student scholarships — opening more doors and creating more opportunities.

This renewed focus reflects our core values: equity, access, and student success. And it ensures that every gift has an immediate and powerful impact on students’ lives.

Inspired to support our future? Every gift makes a difference.