Karen Snyder Sullivan, Class of 1968, first travelled abroad during the summer between her junior and senior years at Mount Holyoke. The trip she made to Peru in 1967 helped Karen define her future career plans, strengthen her sense of self, and shape the place she wanted to make for herself in the world. Karen was a Latin American Studies major and, in the late 1960s, a forerunner and groundbreaker for women in international banking.
Karen loved to travel and found it an exhilarating, perspective-broadening experience. She had a keen, discerning eye for people and places, and the ability to relate what was unique and distinct about other cultures to her own. From the African bush to the Roman Forum, she learned about the world and made that learning part of her life and the lives of those around her.
The Karen Snyder Sullivan Memorial Travel Award was established in 1986 by Karen's husband, Craig, to provide an opportunity for young women like Karen to begin their own voyage of discovery.
The world has much to teach us about other cultures and ourselves. Each year, this award offers a Mount Holyoke College student the opportunity to increase their awareness and understanding of the international community through travel.
The award carries a stipend of up to $7,000; the exact amount is determined by the student's budget proposal. The student selected will be one with a keen interest in exploring the world outside the structured classroom environment and one who relates the travel experience to their personal, professional, and academic goals.
The winner is not chosen by academic achievement, but by a sincere desire to explore a new culture while traveling independently.
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