Join Us In The First-Ever Global Illumination Night, May 4, 2020

Dear students, staff, faculty and families:

As you know, we have many beloved on-campus Commencement traditions which we are not able to share in person this year. One of those is Illumination Night, when campus comes alive after nightfall with the light of hundreds of bright, colorful lanterns. These lanterns honor the graduating class, and provide light and hope for all of us who see them. This year, more than ever, we want to find that brightness, and kindle our hope. The President’s Office, the Office of Alumnae Relations and the Virtual Community Engagement Team are pioneering an effort to continue this tradition virtually with our students, staff and faculty

Therefore, ahead of virtual Commencement, Smith College will produce Global Illumination Night 2020. Wherever you are, this is a chance to show a visible sign of care for our seniors, our community, and each other.

How you can participate:

1. Find something in your home—anything from a lantern to a lamp or candle—to illuminate on your porch, front step or in your window. Don't feel you need to go out and buy something new to participate.
2. Any night before May 13, take a picture of whatever you choose to light.
3. Upload your picture, saved at its highest resolution, to this form by May 13. We'll collect all the images and create a gallery to share on social media and present to the class of 2020 as an expression of our pride and connection.
4. Consider posting your picture on your own social media using the hashtag #smithilluminates so we can watch this global event grow.

We are physically dispersed, but we can be virtually united in support of our graduating class and Smithies everywhere.

Warmly,
Kathy, Denise and Floyd