Remembering Our Past, Envisioning Our Future

Dear Friends,

I hope that winter break allowed you each a combination of fellowship, rest, and rejuvenation. It’s always struck me as optimistic that we begin our spring semester in the depths of the Northern Hemisphere’s winter. The label of “spring” reminds us of promise and possibility.

Indeed, it was the promise and possibility of a different societal future that Smith’s inaugural participants embraced. In September 1875, 14 students and six faculty members arrived on campus to begin teaching and learning. How moving that, together, we have the opportunity to commemorate Smith’s 150th anniversary this year.

Throughout 2025, we’ll celebrate Sophia Smith’s audacious decision to direct her inheritance to the education of women; and we’ll acknowledge the challenges, courage, and fortitude of those students, staff, and faculty who have made Smith better, even when members of the Smith community were ambivalent about change. We’ll also tell the stories of barrier breakers like Angel De Cora 1896, Otelia Cromwell 1900 and Adelaide Cromwell ’40, Tei Ninomiya 1910, and Carrie Lee 1917; and we’ll reaffirm our commitment to be “of and for the world.”

In addition, we’ll celebrate Founder’s Day on March 8 (also International Women’s Day) to honor the day Sophia Smith signed her will, and we’ll mark other milestones, including the 50th anniversary of the Ada Comstock Scholars Program and the 25th anniversary of the journal Meridians. Do visit the Celebrating Smith’s 150th webpage for updates on sesquicentennial events and opportunities to connect, learn, engage, and celebrate. There, you’ll also find a timeline, essays, stories, and images from Smith’s archives that provide a rich portrait of the people, places, and ideas that shaped this college from its earliest days. There is much to celebrate, and like every good birthday, there will be cake!

In examining our past, we have the opportunity to envision a future Smith that leans even more deeply into its mission, that is more intellectually and creatively engaging, and that prepares graduates who are unafraid of difference or challenge, are curious throughout their lives, and who will insist on our mutual humanity. What Smith becomes in its next century and a half will be shaped by our work together today. I’m thrilled to be doing this work with you and celebrating this milestone together.

Here’s to 150 more.

Warmly,
President Sarah