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Smith Bids Farewell to Retiring Faculty Members

News of Note

At a May 16 celebration, the college celebrated the contributions of eight retiring faculty members.

Published May 20, 2024

At a celebration on campus on May 16, eight retiring faculty members were honored for a combined 322 years of service to Smith.

Faculty members who are retiring this year are:

  • David Bickar, professor of chemistry
  • Barbara Brehm-Curtis, professor of exercise and sport studies
  • Brigitte Buettner, Louise Ines Doyle ’34 Professor of Art
  • Rick Fantasia, Barbara Richmond 1940 Professor in the Social Sciences and professor of sociology
  • Martine Gantrel-Ford, professor of French studies
  • Thalia Pandiri, professor of classical languages and literatures and of comparative literature
  • Joel Pitchon, professor of music
  • Beth Powell, senior lecturer in psychology

At the luncheon in their honor, President Sarah Willie-LeBreton told retiring faculty that “Smith is the intellectually curious, rigorous, and thriving community it is today because of the contributions each of you has made.” “You have been part of and helped form something much larger than yourselves,” she added. “And you will always be treasured members of the Smith community.”