This faculty/student collaborative research project began in the summer of 2005 when Dr. LeeRay Costa, together with student Denita Wray ('06, Women's Studies) began to compile a database of Hollins alumnae engaged in activism and social change work. After an open call to Hollins alumnae, faculty and administrators, over 140 Hollins alumnae responded that they were interested in participating in the oral history project.

During the fall of 2005, Dr. Costa, together with students Mallory Haar ('07, Women's Studies) and Erika Ogier ('08, ?) continued to build files on these alumnae. During spring 2006, Dr. Costa taught the course Anth/WS 220: Life Histories/Self Narratives which enrolled ten Hollins students. This website is the final course project and features the life stories of ten Hollins alumnae.

Over the next year, summer 2006 - spring 2007, the project will continue, thanks to funding awarded by President Nancy O.
Gray's Academic Enhancement Fund. During this time Dr. Costa, together with interested students, will continue to interview Hollins alumnae and transcribe these interviews. Once interviews with twenty alumnae have been completed, Dr. Costa will begin analysis of the interviews and seek publication.

It is Dr. Costa's hope and intention that this project will continue as long as there is student and alumnae interest, and as long as there is sufficient funding to keep it going.  As comments by students who have participated in the Life Histories class and collaborative research project reveal, this has been an amazing journey for all. Hollins students have found inspiration among Hollins alumnae, and have discovered the many ways to create change in the world. This research has also revealed the phenomenal work done by numerous Hollins women as they seek to make a difference in the lives of others.

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