A little history for those unfamiliar with MHC's Laurel Parade:In 1932 the laurel chain ceremony was integrated into the annual alumnae parade and since then has remained the parade's highlight. This moving ritual, which takes place during commencement weekend, marks the transition from MHC student to MHC alumna. During the parade, seniors--linked by two 275-yard laurel chains--process through the ranks of returning alumnae to Mary Lyon's grave. After weaving the chain around the grave site's fence, they sing "Bread and Roses," a poem-turned-song that was taken up by strikers demanding reasonable hours and pay at a textile mill in Lawrence, Massachusetts, in 1912. The seniors and all the alumnae parade participants dress in white, a tradition that began as a show of solidarity with the suffragettes who wore white when campaigning for women's right to vote.
Read more about the history of Laurel Parade and about this year's Parade.
One of two women in attendance from the class of 1934! Do that math... they are OLD. There were also 12 women from the class of 1939.
The 50th Reunion Class. 
A sign carried by the class of 1984.
The class of 1999! Apparently I make this face at Jack when I'm excited to see him. Poor kid.
With Heather and Alec and Kira pushing Nate. Kira was my roommate first year and Heather lived next door to us! Still some of my closest friends in the world.
My favorite class of '99 sign. Trust me, that doesn't mean much at Mount Holyoke.
The graduating class!
Ellie and me before her first Alumna Association meeting.
Notice her dress (white, of course) says MHC '31.
If you don't cry while watching the Laurel Parade, check your pulse. It's amazing and I'm tearing up just looking at the photos.
1 comment:
Amazing to see the Laurel Parade photo of you, Kira, Heather and Jennifer- all with babies!
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