M.J. Hawes '92

"Barnard was such a pivotal and impactful experience in my life. I wanted to honor and recognize that by joining the Athena Society. I felt it particularly important to contribute in this way to demonstrate my commitment to the College and, hopefully, to help others access it and benefit from it, as I did.

My mother and grandmother—who were ahead of their time in their educational and professional achievements—were powerful role models for me. My grandmother was the registrar at Barnard when Millicent McIntosh was president and through her I often heard about Barnard's history and impact on women. In addition, my mother attended Teacher's College and the College of Nursing, taught at Columbia Nursing School, and served as the president of the original Columbia Nursing School Alumni Association. She also recently received the first Anna C. Maxwell award from the School. And now, I am the mother of a teenage daughter who is getting ready to launch into adulthood, and I want to help her generation and beyond avail themselves of the wonderful education and unique environment Barnard provides.

While I also participate in the Barnard Annual Fund faithfully, being a member of the Athena Society is my way to commemorate the women in family and my gratitude for my Barnard experience."