A Gem from Barbara: Ali McGraw hits the fashion scene

I was reading the current issue of Town & Country Magazine and Ali McGraw is on the cover.  It reminded me of the first time I was introduced to her.  I was in my early 20's and working in the press department at Mademoiselle Magazine.  At the time, Mademoiselle had a guest editor program for college girls who would work at the magazine during the summer, based on a writing contest.  Ali McGraw, a Wellesley student, was assigned to the fashion department.  My first impression was that she was a very pretty girl, with an athletic build, but not the prototypical fashion model.  Clearly the editors at the magazine recognized her potential as they worked with her during the summer.  They decided to put her on the cover of the annual college issue that fall, and the rest is history!