Commencement

Smith College Bookstore open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

1–1:45 p.m.—Ivy Day Leadership Orientation
Campus Center front steps, Chapin Lawn
A preview of weekend activities and leadership roles for Ivy Day for all members of Sophomore Push and Junior Ushers.

1:45–3 p.m.—Commencement Leadership Orientation
Comstock Courtyard
A preview of Commencement and leadership roles for all members of Sophomore Push and Junior Ushers, the co-president of the Ada Comstock Scholars, the president of the senior class and the president of the SGA.

3:30–4:30 p.m.—Baccalaureate, for seniors only
Neilson Library Amphitheater
Baccalaureate gives seniors an opportunity to pause, reflect upon and rejoice in their accomplishments, challenges and friendships. President Kathleen McCartney will deliver remarks to the senior class. Per Smith tradition, students are invited to wear graduation gowns but not caps, and an accessory in your class color—something green! Refreshments will be served.
Rain location: Helen Hills Hills Chapel

4–5 p.m.—12-Step Recovery Program meeting, open to all
Wright Hall 002

5–7:30 p.m.—The Smith Bell Ringers’ Open Practice
Mendenhall Bell Tower
All alumnae and families are welcome. Come meet the bell ringers and visit the tower. Those new to change ringing can get an introductory lesson, and general practice will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

5–7 p.m.—Senior Celebration Barbecue
Seelye Lawn Tent (rain or shine)
For seniors, graduate students and approved students remaining on campus. Complimentary wine and beer for seniors 21 and over with valid I.D.

8 p.m.—Faculty Talk: Loretta Ross: “Creating a Calling-In Culture at Smith”
Seelye 201
This presentation will focus on how we can improve our communications and relations through learning Calling-In techniques, rather than the anger and blaming of calling-out.

8 p.m.—Celebrations Dance Company’s Annual Commencement Concert
Scott Dance Studio
Performance by Celebrations, Smith’s oldest student-run dance company, showcasing student choreography and performance. Donations accepted.

Smith College Bookstore open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Please note: The Anthropology department is holding its reception on Friday, May 19th. For more information, see the "Academic Departments and Programs Commencement Receptions" tab.

7–9 a.m.—Breakfast for Students
Served in Cutter/Ziskind, King/Scales and Tyler houses

8 a.m.—Sophomore Push Meeting
Indoor Track and Tennis Facility

8 a.m.—Junior Usher Meeting
Indoor Track and Tennis Facility

9 a.m.–4 p.m.—Admission Office Drop-In
Office of Admission, 7 College Lane
An admission officer will be available to answer your questions about the college application process.

9–10:30 a.m.—Junior Usher Ivy Day/Commencement Walkthrough (Indoor)
Indoor Track and Tennis Facility

9–10:30 a.m.—Commencement Rehearsal
Indoor Track and Tennis Facility
Attendance is mandatory for all seniors, Junior Ushers, Sophomore Push and candidates for advanced degrees.

9:45 a.m.—The Smith Experience
Vice President for Enrollment Joanna May
Leo Weinstein Auditorium, Wright Hall
Vice President for Enrollment Joanna May will speak with three students about the experiences and opportunities that have shaped their time at Smith.

10:30–11:30 a.m.—Graduate and Special Programs Pre-rehearsal Breakfast
McConnell Hall foyer
All master’s degree, diploma and post-bac certificate programs graduates are invited to join staff from the Office of Graduate and Special Programs for breakfast after the Commencement rehearsal. Come get information, ask questions, socialize with fellow students, and share experiences and future plans.

11 a.m.—Smith Today: A Conversation With President Kathleen McCartney
Leo Weinstein Auditorium, Wright Hall
President Kathleen McCartney will reflect on the year at Smith and the profound ways in which the College has moved forward during her tenure.

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.—Senior Luncheon
Chase, King and Tyler houses
For seniors and all students remaining on campus.

11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.—The Grécourt Society Ice Cream Stand
Campus Center, main level
Smith’s legacy society honors those who have included Smith in their estate plans. All alumnae are invited to enjoy free ice cream and learn more about The Grécourt Society and ways to become a member.

1–4 p.m.—Art Making at the Smith College Museum of Art
Smith College Museum of Art, Boeckman Sculpture Court
Drop by the Smith College Museum of Art atrium to explore the galleries, talk with museum staff, listen to student-created playlists inspired by works of art on view and create your own work of art to take home. Please note: children must be accompanied by an adult.

1–4:30 p.m.—Botanic Garden Open House
Lyman Plant House & Conservatory
Drop in to Lyman Plant House & Conservatory to explore the collections, meet staff, and experience the student art exhibit “Into the Glasshouse”, currently on display in The Church Exhibition Gallery. For more information, see: Into the Glasshouse.

1:15–1:40 p.m.—Faculty Talks
Hannah Karpman “LGBTQIAA*/Queer Family Formation - Where have we been and where are we going?”
Seelye 201
This presentation will cover a brief history of what we know about queer ways of conceptualizing family, the legal and social perspectives on queer families, and of known sperm donors in the context of lesbian-headed households.

1:50–2:15 p.m.—Emily Norton: Thinking through Making
Seelye 201
Emily Norton, Director of the Design Thinking Initiative, will talk about the impact the Design Thinking Initiative has had on student experience and the culture of creative experimentation across campus.

2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m.—International Students, Alums and Families Gathering
Lewis Global Studies Center, Wright Hall 127, and Wright Hall upper lobby
A gathering for international students, their families, international alums, and their guests. Grab a quick snack or caffeinate while joining informal conversations with each other and representatives of Smith’s Lewis Global Studies Center and International Alumnae Relations

2:30-4:30 p.m.—Special Collections Open House
Special Collections Reading Room, Neilson Library, 3rd floor
Visit the new home of Smith’s Special Collections. Meet curators and archivists, view materials and learn about the College Archives, the Mortimer Rare Book Collection and the Sophia Smith Collection of Women’s History.

2:45–3:45 p.m.—Jandon Center for Community Engagement Reception
Jandon Center, Wright Hall 013
Graduating fellows, CESC concentrators, CSO members, volunteers, family members and alums are invited to join us in celebrating students' work with our community partners

3:15–4:15 p.m.—Study Abroad Alum Gathering
Lewis Global Studies Center, Wright Hall 127, and Wright Hall upper lobby
A gathering for alums who studied abroad and their guests. Grab a quick snack or caffeinate while joining informal conversations with each other and representatives of Smith’s Lewis Global Studies Center and former Smith Programs Abroad faculty directors.

4–5 p.m.—12-Step Recovery Program meeting, open to all.
Wright Hall 002

4:30 p.m.—Chamber Ensemble Concert
Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage Hall
Special Chamber Music recital featuring graduating seniors.

8 p.m.—Celebrations Dance Company’s Annual Commencement Concert
Scott Dance Studio
Performance by Celebrations, Smith’s oldest student-run dance company, showcasing student choreography and performance. Donations accepted.

8–11 p.m.—Astronomy Open House
McConnell Hall foyer and McConnell Rooftop Observatory
Open to all. Telescopic observations begin at 9 p.m. (weather permitting)

8:30–10:30 p.m.—Commencement Orchestra Concert
Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage Hall
The Commencement Orchestra, conducted by Jonathan Hirsh, accompanies featured soloists from the senior class.

Smith College Bookstore open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please note: Academic departments are holding receptions on Saturday, May 20. For more information, see the "Academic Departments and Programs Commencement Receptions" tab.

7–9 a.m.—Breakfast for students
Served in Cutter/Ziskind, King/Scales and Tyler houses

8 a.m.—Meeting of Sophomore Push
Outside President’s House

8:30 a.m.—Junior Ushers Assemble
Admission Office parking spaces

---

Ivy Day Activities

In the event of rain, the Alumnae Parade, Alumnae Awards Presentation and Ivy Day Awards Convocation will be held in the Indoor Track and Tennis Facility (ITT). The signal for such a change in venue will be the ringing of the college bells at 8 a.m. The doors of the ITT will open at that time. Seniors should enter the main lobby of the ITT through the glass doors and will be instructed where to pick up their roses and line up. Junior Ushers should assemble in the ITT by the overhead door. Alumnae will march through the double line of seniors and past the reviewing stand before being seated. The senior class, led by the Junior Ushers, will then follow.

The Ivy Day webcast can be viewed here.

8:45 a.m.—Seniors Assemble
President’s House, front
Roses will be distributed to seniors. Seniors will then form two lines along the driveway, across Paradise Road and up to the Emerson House Archway in preparation for the Alumnae Parade and Ivy Day procession. Seniors should wear all-white attire and dark shoes. Please be on time.

Order of Exercises

8:45 a.m.—Alumnae Parade Assembly
Chapin Drive, between the Campus Center and College Lane

9:15 a.m.—Alumnae Parade
Led by the Festival Band, alumnae march toward the President’s House and the quadrangle, through the double lines of the senior class. Alumnae proceed through the Emerson House archway, around the quadrangle and past the reviewing stand on Martha Wilson House steps. Junior Ushers follow the alumnae through the lines of seniors, leading the seniors into the quadrangle and past the reviewing stand.

Senior Class Procession
Following the route of the alumnae, the senior class will be led by the Junior Ushers carrying the ivy chain into the quadrangle, past the reviewing stand, and will then be seated.

Invocation
The Quadrangle
Matilda Rose Cantwell, M.S.W. ’96
Director of Religious & Spiritual Life and College Chaplain

Welcome from the Alumnae Association of Smith College
Peggie Koon ’74
President of the Alumnae Association Board of Directors

Remarks
President Kathleen McCartney

Presentation of Alumnae Gifts and Awards
Denise Wingate Materre ’74
Vice President for Alumnae Relations

Gaudeamus Igitur
Mai Sophia Klooster ’23

Prizes to Degree Candidates
​Alex Keller
Interim Dean of the College and Vice President for Campus Life

Honors
Michael Thurston
Provost and Dean of the Faculty

Planting of the Ivy
President McCartney
Haley December Brown ’23
Senior Class President and Class of 2023 Alumnae Class President

Smith College Alumnae Song
Composed by Alice Schultz Valkenburgh ’37
Mai Sophia Klooster ’23

Closing Remarks
President McCartney

---

11 a.m.–5 p.m.—Josten Library Open Hours
Josten Library, Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts Visit Smith’s performing arts library, which boasts inspiring architecture and an outstanding interdisciplinary collection of music, theater and dance books; playscripts; music scores; as well as audio, video and other resources.

11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.—Lunch-to-go
Scott Gymnasium
For seniors, graduate students, student workers and approved students remaining on campus. Parents and guests of students may purchase online tickets in advance through the C-VENT ticket program. Pick-up on Saturday, May 20 at Scott Gym. (Early Bird Pricing: adults $13, children 12 and under $6, children under 5-free; no charge for Smith seniors or student workers. Prices increase by $1 on May 1st).

12–1:30 p.m.—Posse Scholar Graduation Celebration
Skyline Reading Room, Neilson Library
A celebration for the Posse Scholars and their families. Invite-only.

1:30–2:15 p.m.—President’s Reception
Seelye lawn (rain location: Campus Center)
For seniors and graduate students, their families, guests, faculty, alumnae and staff.

2 p.m.—Celebrations Dance Company’s Annual Commencement Concert
Scott Dance Studio
Performance by Celebrations, Smith’s oldest student-run dance company, showcasing student choreography and performance. Donations accepted.

2:30–4 p.m.—Hillyer Art Library Open House
Hillyer Art Library, Brown Fine Arts Center
Explore Smith’s remarkable art library and browse collections covering the history, theory, criticism and practice of the visual arts.

2:30–4 p.m.—Jill Ker Conway Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center and Design Thinking Initiative Open House
Conway Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, Neilson 103
Come to the Conway Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center, to meet both Conway Center and Design Thinking Initiative Staff and learn more about what each center offers.

2:30–4 p.m.—Residence Life Reception
Clark Hall, conference room and porch
For student staff members, seniors, and their families, as well as alums who have served in these roles.

2:30–4:30 p.m.—Neilson Library Open House
Neilson Library
Welcome to Neilson Library! Take a self-guided tour of Neilson Library as designed by Maya Lin. Walk through the Neilson Library: Evolution exhibit in the 2nd floor gallery.

2:30–4:30 p.m.—Special Collections Open House
Special Collections Reading Room, Neilson Library, 3rd floor
Visit the new home of Smith’s Special Collections. Meet curators and archivists, view materials and learn about the College Archives, the Mortimer Rare Book Collection and the Sophia Smith Collection of Women’s History.

3–4 p.m.—Conversation and Q&A with Honorary Degree Recipients
Theatre 14, Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts
Panel featuring Lulu Garcia-Navarro, Susan Goldin-Meadow, and Kelly Link; moderated by President Kathleen McCartney.

3–4:30 p.m.—Botanic Garden Open House
Lyman Plant House & Conservatory
Drop in to Lyman Plant House & Conservatory to explore the collections, meet staff, and experience the student art exhibit “Into the Glasshouse”, currently on display in The Church Exhibition Gallery. For more information, see: Into the Glasshouse.

3–5 p.m.—Smith Crew Boathouse Open House and Reception
Connecticut River Boathouse, Sportsman’s Marina, 1 Russell St., Hadley, Mass.
All Smith crew alumnae, team members and families are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served. No shuttle service.

3:30–5 p.m.—Smith College Historic Clothing Collection Open House
Theatre T15, Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts
Explore the college’s research archive of women’s clothing, founded in 1978 by Beth Pfaltz Welsh ’79. Students serve as interns and research assistants. The cabinets will be open, and examples of garments and accessories will be on view.

4–5 p.m.—12-Step Recovery Program meeting, open to all.
Wright Hall 002

4–5 p.m.—Service of Remembrance
Helen Hills Hills Chapel
An multifaith memorial service for reflecting, remembering and celebrating the lives of those who have died, focusing on Smith alums who have passed on since the last reunion. All are welcome.

5–6 p.m.—Commencement Choral Concert
Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage Hall The Glee Club and Chamber Singers present works chosen by members of the senior class.

7:45 p.m.—Junior Ushers’ meeting
Admission office parking spaces

8 p.m.—Senior Class Candle-Lighting Ceremony
Paradise Pond lawn, between the President’s House and Office of Admission

8:15 p.m.—Meeting of Sophomore Push
In front of Seelye Hall

8:30 p.m.—Sophomore Push/Senior Step Sing
Seelye Hall steps

8:30–10 p.m.—Ada Comstock Illumination Night Celebration
Boutelle-Day Poetry Center, Wright Hall 102, and Wright Hall upper lobby

8:30–10 p.m.—Illumination of Upper Campus
Rain location: Campus Center
Live Music by the Jay Messer Quintet

Smith College Bookstore open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

7–9 a.m.—Breakfast for Students
Served in Cutter/Ziskind, King/Scales, Cushing/Emerson, Chase and Tyler houses
The Campus Center Café is open for students, staff and faculty. Orders may be placed through the GrubHub app.

8 a.m.—Meeting of Junior Ushers
Steps of Wilson (rain location: Indoor Track and Tennis Facility)

8 a.m.—Meeting of Sophomore Push
Steps of Comstock/Wilder (rain location: Indoor Track and Tennis Facility)

---

Commencement Activities

In the event of rain, the signal for indoor Commencement at the Indoor Track and Tennis Facility will be the ringing of the college bells beginning at 8 a.m. For indoor Commencement, the ITT doors will open at 8 a.m. Graduates will line up at 9:15 a.m. in Ainsworth Gymnasium, and faculty members will assemble in the Ainsworth main hallway (glass-door entrance).

Watch via Facebook (captioned) or Webcast.

9:15 a.m.—Assembling for Commencement
All graduates must line up on Mandelle Road in front of Comstock and Wilder houses. Seniors should arrive wearing full regalia.

The faculty will assemble in the courtyard behind Laura Scales House.

Audience members should be seated by 9:45 a.m.

Seating Policy
Seats cannot be saved for those arriving later. Tape, signs and other items placed on chairs to save seats will be removed by college personnel.

10 a.m.—Commencement Exercises
The Quadrangle

Order of Exercises

Procession
Members of the University of Massachusetts Brass Quintet
Eric Berlin, Conductor

Trumpet Fanfare
Eric Berlin

Holyoke Caledonian Pipe Band
Roger Bernier, Pipe Major
Jay Kelly, Drum Major

Trustees, Faculty and Candidates for Degrees
To allow all to see, please remain seated at all times.

Call to Order
Elizabeth Jamieson ’94
Head Marshal and Professor of Chemistry

Invocation
Matilda Rose Cantwell, M.S.W. ’96
Director of Religious & Spiritual Life and College Chaplain

Senior Class Address
Haley December Brown ’23
Senior Class President and Class of 2023 Alumnae Class President

Presentation of the Senior Class Gift to the College
Haley December Brown ’23

Presentation of the Honored Professor Award
Kathleen McCartney
President of the College

Conferring of Honorary Degrees
Alison Overseth ’80, Chair of the Board of Trustees
President McCartney
The College Marshals and Faculty Escorts
Presenter: Michael Thurston, Provost and Dean of the Faculty

Commencement Address
Reshma Saujani
Leading Activist and Founder of Girls Who Code and Moms First

Conferring of Graduate and Baccalaureate Degrees
Certificates of Study
Diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies and Global Studies
Master of Science
Master of Arts in Teaching
Master of Fine Arts
Presenter: Hélène Visentin, Associate Dean of the Faculty & Dean for Academic Development and Professor of French Studies

Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Arts
Presenter: Michael Thurston, Provost and Dean of the Faculty
Readers: Alex Keller, Interim Dean of the College and Vice President for Campus Life
Adela Penagos, Associate Dean of the College and Dean of the Senior Class

Closing Remarks
President McCartney

Benediction
Matilda Rose Cantwell, M.S.W. ’96

Adjournment
Elizabeth Jamieson ’94

Recession
College Marshals
Elizabeth Jamieson ’94, Head Marshal, Professor of Chemistry
Will Williams, Deputy Marshal, Associate Professor of Physics
Patricia Cahn ’06, Associate Professor of Mathematical Sciences
Brent Durbin, Associate Professor of Government
Randi L. Garcia, Associate Professor of Psychology and of Statistical and Data Sciences
Nicholas Howe, Professor of Computer Science
Susannah Howe, Dean of the Junior Class and Senior Lecturer in Engineering
Stephanie Jones, Assistant Professor of Exercise and Sport Studies
Jack Loveless, Associate Professor of Geosciences
Joyce Palmer-Fortune, Senior Lecturer in Physics

Diploma Circle—Immediately Following Commencement
Graduating seniors only. Graduates will march out of the quadrangle onto the Laura Scales/Franklin King terrace. No family members or friends will be permitted near the diploma circle. Please stay in line to expedite the distribution of diplomas. (In the event of an indoor Commencement, the diploma circle will be held in Ainsworth Gymnasium.)

12:30–2 p.m.—Commencement Brunch honoring seniors and graduate students
College dining rooms