I had the opportunity to be back at Sweet Briar on Tuesday.... And enjoyed an extensive tour of the as-ever breathtakingly beautiful campus. During my 4 years I got to know most of the buildings like the back of my hand, but nothing prepared me for the wave of emotion that washed over when I stepped into Benedict, some 2 decades later. The main entrance hall has posted on 3 sides a collection of just some of the banners created during our fight for Sweet Briar to remain OPEN -- and seeing these "artifacts" from our struggle to save our school was extremely powerful and moving.
Making banners is just one of many traditions that occurs at Sweet Briar and they're hung outside on our Quad Bell Tower for all to take in. In years past, these banners represented more fun & lighthearted sentiments, but during our fight, the banners became a reflection of the impassioned tone of students and the alumnae & faculty who supported them. I now look at these banners as pieces of our Sweet Briar history, that will always remind us of the spirit that galvanized 10,000+ supporters of Sweet Briar College and securing the legacy of our founder Indiana Fletcher Williams' mission of providing education for women.
*My images above and below....
The Library
The President's House
Outside of Prothro Dining Hall, Looking Onto Reid Dorm