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Following her October 23, 2008
letter to the campus, President Christ shared similar information in an e-mailed
to alumnae. Here are excerpts from a selection of the responses.
Thank you for continuing to underscore the importance
of developing diversity and improving facilities despite these difficult times. Now
that I am working in an inner-city public school system, I am well-aware of the challenges
that many young women face when determining whether or not college is a possibility
for them, and furthermore in choosing the “right school.” Smith is such
an extraordinary place that I would hate to think of the students who would not have
the opportunity to experience its joys if the school’s finances are not well-managed.
-- Class of 2004
Thank you very much for your letter. It was clear and
written with such care. I have not been involved with Smith since graduation other
than small contributions. Your letter brought a sense of community back to me. -- Class
of 1985
Thank you so much for your candor about and planning
for the economic challenges at hand. Having been a development officer and director
for many years, I am convinced that actions such as you have taken to inform Smithies
is the best possible manner to obtain future support. -- Class
of 1955
I was certain that the college would meet this current
crisis as well as it has met others. Thank you to all, the administration, the faculty
and the students for a positive response. Also, thank you for the excellent, up-to-date
information. -- Class of 1944
Just wanted to compliment you on your very forthright
and classy information-sharing e-mail. None of my other institutions has been so
proactive with alumni, thoughtful about the breadth of effect, caring for more than
just the fund size, and planful about continued effects. Well done. -- Class
of 1981
Please consider looking at the inefficiencies of an
academic institution like Smith (and actually, all academic institutions) with specific
reference to raising the level of efficiency by which education is delivered. -- Class
of 1966
It is comforting to know that the college continues
on sound footing. I would not expect less. Thank you for your careful stewardship
of Smith. -- Class of 1978
I am pleased to hear that student financial assistance
will continue to be at the top of your priority list, and that no student will suffer
cuts this year. Perhaps there is a little extra to direct to those whose family income
is diminished. I'll see what we can do to increase our small gift this year, but
please know I continue to be grateful for the help and support I received back in
the '50's! -- Class of 1958
Thank you for the information on Smith's economic position.
The current student body should be engaged in the belt-tightening process, as we
were in the early seventies. Reduction of energy and cafeteria waste should attain
the same level of significance as educational objectives. -- Class
of 1976
I am certain all recipients of your letter appreciate
your update on the financial status and plans for the college. My first-year granddaughter
is thriving and contributing to the Smith campus. The strengths of a Smith education
sustain us all. Thank you again for your letter. -- Class
of 1958
I support you and the trustees during these difficult
times when I know tough choices will need to be made. The cost of a college education
has become staggering and families like us who took on the challenge of saving to
pay for college now feel completely defeated and at a loss. -- Class
of 1982
[P]lease make a personal finance seminar mandatory for
the freshman class and for the senior class. It is important in the best economic
times and absolutely essential in the worst economic times. I graduated in 1993 and
am appalled and dismayed by how many of my classmates still don't have or don't fully
fund their 401K's and IRAs, don't have 529 accounts for their kids, do not have life
insurance for their spouses on whom they are dependent. If you don't make Smith students
more financially savvy they won't have as much disposable income available to support
the college. -- Class of 1993
Rock on, Smith College. You gave me the gift of resiliency
and I see you are still giving the gift. -- Class of 1963
I am sure I am joined by many alumnae when I say that
my prayers and thoughts are with you. As one who teaches, I have been struck by the
many excellent students who have had to lower their expectations because of finances.
I am hopeful that those who can, will give more and that everyone who relates to
young people will encourage and sustain them. -- Class
of 1969
When the class of 1992 graduated as I was a sophomore,
I had little understanding of how the 1992 economy really mattered, though those
seniors clearly were troubled. I have much more understanding of their distress,
now. Perhaps we can preserve more options for our classes of 2008 and 2009 if we
coordinate more fully among college officials/faculty, alumnae, and students. The
house-level programs of big and little sisters should be extended so that big sisters
become alumnae mentors of their little sisters, as well. I am gratified to hear your
message of underlying strength, commitment to core goals, and fiscal responsibility.
Thank you for your excellent leadership of the college these past years. -- Class
of 1994
I greatly appreciated being updated on the finances
and challenges of Smith at present. I am confident that I can make a bigger than
usual gift before the end of the year, as our financial prospects are looking up
for a change! Not that it will be anything to write home about, but we're getting
there. Wanting the best for Smith and its progeny does mean some kind of sacrifice
and involvement. May we all prove up to the task -- all of us who have benefited
so much from time and experience through Smith College. -- Class
of 1988 |
