By Emily Hedrick '70

Never let it be said that rivals can’t be both friendly and fruitful, especially when the stakes involve the future of Guilford College.

When the College’s For the Good of Guilford campaign kicked off in March, Linda Mercer ’69, known affectionately as "Merce" and unofficial president emeritus of Mary Hobbs Hall, suggested a challenge to neighboring women’s residence hall, Shore Dorm to see which group could raise the most money for Guilford.

Similar in size, Hobbs and Shore have long been known for fostering close, congenial environments like those found in sororities on other campuses so it seemed like a great way to support the College.

The “prize” wasn’t bad either: acknowledgement in the Gazette and the glory of trouncing their neighbors.

I was the sacrificial lamb who reached out to my fellow Shore girls, while Linda worked her magic on the Hobbs girls.

Full disclosure: I lived in Hobbs my freshman year, but it was not a great fit. I was just not cut out for the required household chores – which came with a small discount on room and board -- especially when they required me to get up at the crack of dawn. By mutual agreement I decamped and moved my sophomore year to Shore, where I felt right at home.

The contest was on. Phone calls were made. Emails sent. And, of course, Guilfordians came through. How did the challenge end? Having seen how tireless Linda operates for Guilford, it was no shock to learn the outcome:

The 101 Hobbs residents donated $207,175.93, while 56 Shore residents donated $70,072.46.

Under the circumstances – Guilford’s urgent need for unrestricted gifts to balance our budget and ultimately maintain our accreditation – I couldn’t be more pleased. OK, it stings just a little (I’m not entirely a martyr here), but to have helped facilitate nearly $280,000 in donations is more than satisfying.

Humble pie never tasted so good.

Linda knew Hobbs residents would step up. “Hobbs alums have remained close to Guilford because of the very deep and abiding friendships formed when we lived there and were part of the co-op system,” she says. “That led to us always keeping in touch over the years, and thus keeping closer to Guilford, as well.”

Judy Conner Smith ‘66 was one of the “Hobbits” who stepped up. “Hobbits just love a challenge,” says Judy. “Our hearts will always be with our Hobbs friends and Guilford.”

Judy Allen Craven ’67 was another Hobbs resident who gave. “Friends found at Hobbs while studying at Guilford keep me interested in the well-being of the college,” she says. “I’m thankful to Guilford for helping me see value in people, the earth we call home, and the worldwide community we must care for in order to co-exist.”

Former Hobbs resident Patricia Davis Crenshaw ’69, says she’s proud to be a Guilfordian. She made lifelong friends at Guilford and enjoyed her career as an educator that Guilford made possible.

“Without the support of Guilford’s scholarship program, small classes and wonderful faculty, my life would be totally different,” she says. ”I want this for future generations so I gladly support the need to keep Guilford up and running.”

Amen, generous friends!

Linda and I are grateful and proud of every single woman who stepped up for this cause, regardless of where she called home at Guilford.