In Memory of Adelaide Cromwell ’40

June 10, 2019

Dear students, staff and faculty:

I am sorry to share that the Smith community has lost a special alumna. Adelaide Cromwell ’40, the first African American professor appointed at Smith, died Saturday, June 8, at the age of 99. Adelaide was the niece of Otelia Cromwell 1900, Smith’s first African American graduate. Many of you will remember Adelaide, who joined us as an honored guest at many of our annual Otelia Cromwell Day convocations. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to know Adelaide and to recognize her achievements with an honorary degree, which the board of trustees awarded her in 2015.

The family is planning a memorial service for Adelaide on November 5 at Boston University, where she was a longtime member of the faculty.

The flag at College Hall will be lowered to half staff in Adelaide’s memory on Tuesday, June 11.

Sincerely,

Kathleen McCartney
President