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Campus Life
The Alumnae House reopens after a top-to-bottom renovation.
Photograph by Jim Gipe
Published September 25, 2023
Alums once again have their very own home on campus. The Alumnae House, the Georgian and neoclassical jewel dedicated in 1938, has reopened after a top-to-bottom renovation.
“We are so excited to see alums back in the house built for them nearly 100 years ago, transformed by an elegant renovation that preserves tradition but opens up tremendous new potential,” says Denise Wingate Materre ’74, vice president for alumnae relations. “I look forward to all the wonderful new ways alums and students will use this space now and in generations to come.”
The renovation beautifully blends tradition and innovation. The Alumnae House is now accessible and inclusive, energy efficient, and equipped with the latest technology.
Alums will discover one very exciting new space. The Welcome Center, just a few steps from the main entrance on Elm Street, provides a spot to relax, hold meetings, and have a cup of tea.
“The Alumnae House doors are open,” Materre says. “Come for a visit, and, together, make this new home of yours all that it can be: a place of conversation, respite, joy, discovery, and learning. A space that students and alums enjoy, connecting with each other and across generations to enrich the lifelong Smithie experience. A safe harbor, always. This is a place where Smithie magic happens."
We want to thank the many generous alums who have supported the renovations. The new Georgianna Bray Erskine '54 Terrace provides comfortable outdoor seating overlooking Elm Street. The Martha Gregory Tolles '43 Alumnae Library has been carefully refurbished and relocated conveniently to the ground floor next to the Welcome Center. The Lois Perelson-Gross ’83 and Stewart Gross Dining Room is the perfect setting for small group meals, meetings, and presentations.
Smith employees may reserve the first-floor meeting spaces and the second-floor boardroom on the 25Live room scheduling system.
If you are interested in joining the generations of alums who have supported the renovation of Alumnae House, please contact Betsy Carpenter ’93, associate vice president for development, at ewcarpen@smith.edu or 413-585-2052.
