Alys Dutton ’15 came to Hiram unsure of her path but quickly found a community that encouraged her to explore, take risks and grow. Originally considering a different academic direction, she gravitated toward creative writing, drawn in by faculty mentorship and a program that challenged and supported her in equal measure.

Hiram is a place where you can try things, even mess up a little, and still have people around you who want to see you succeed, she said. That made all the difference for me.

Her experience extended well beyond the classroom. Alys joined the cross-country team after being encouraged by a coach during orientation despite never having run competitively before. She also served as a resident assistant, building leadership skills and forming lasting relationships across campus. During her time at Hiram, she spent a three-week term studying in Bhutan, one of many opportunities that allowed her to try new things and step outside her comfort zone.

Today, Alys is an author and teaching artist based in Minneapolis–St. Paul. Her debut novel, The Stolen Women, will be published in October 2026 by HarperCollins. The book, inspired by classical mythology and art history, reflects the curiosity and intellectual exploration that shaped her time at Hiram.

Looking back, Alys credits Hiram with giving her both the confidence and the space to pursue her passion.

“It’s a place where people bring a lot of energy and creativity, and you’re invited to be part of that. It really changed everything for me.”