3 / Sweet Briar’s 2024 Presidential Medalist
5 / New partnerships to support students’ continuing education
The Briar Wire Volume 10, Issue 2 | June 2024
Dear alumnae and friends,
day!
Give To
give sbc.edu/
There is nothing as beautiful as the waves of spring and early summer flowers that arrive at Sweet Briar. As my first academic year as your president comes to a close, I am struck by our students’ achievements, the dedication of our community, and the progress that Sweet Briar has made this year. You will read about these accolades in the pages that follow, and I think you will feel the same sense of pride that I do. Each year, Sweet Briar becomes more relevant to educating future women leaders. Our excellent academic programs, delivered by our distinguished faculty, provide leadership instruction and hands-on experience. So, too, does our beautiful and vast campus, which we continue to steward and enhance, allowing us to provide a learning laboratory unlike any other and attract prospective students and their families from far and wide. I have had many occasions this year to meet and talk with our amazing students. When I do, I make a point of telling them about the remarkable generosity of Sweet Briar’s alumnae and friends — and in many cases, I show them examples of this generosity. For example, I tell them about the future rehabilitation of Gray Hall. I show them the updates made to the Riding Center through the renovation of the Howell Lykes Colton Stables. But their favorite subjects are the stories I share with them from the many alumnae I have had the gift of knowing over the years. I take this approach with our students for a few reasons. First, I want them to know that our community is their family now and that we are all committed to their success. Next, when I share your stories with them, their eyes light up — they love being part of your legacy and our incredible sisterhood. Finally, and most importantly, I want them to know who has made Sweet Briar’s success possible
— and consequently, who they have in their corner. In short, I take the opportunity to teach them about the power of philanthropy and community, something you are intimately familiar with. As I’m sure you can imagine, our students are left with a lasting impression. I tell them that the Sweet Briar alumnae relationship is the longest relationship they will ever have. From all of us on campus, thank you for your continued generosity and for staying committed to Sweet Briar. Onward! Mary Pope M. Hutson ’83 President PS: If you have not yet made your gift for the year, please do so at sbc.edu/give. Every gift matters!