2012 Schedule

Academic regalia for students is available for purchase at the Grécourt Bookshop, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Alumnae House is open from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

1–3 p.m.

Ivy Day/Commencement Orientation. A preview of weekend activities and leadership roles in these major events for all members of Sophomore Push, the head of Junior Ushers, the Ada Comstock Scholars co-presidents, the president of the senior class, the president of the SGA, and the rising-senior class and rising SGA presidents. Comstock-Wilder front steps.

3–5 p.m.

Meeting of Sophomore Push. Campus Center 205.

3 p.m.

Class headquarters and campus houses open for all alumnae.

3–10 p.m.

Reunion registration. Alumnae House tent.

3:30–4:30 p.m.

Baccalaureate, for seniors only. Baccalaureate is an opportunity for seniors to pause, reflect upon and rejoice in their accomplishments, challenges and friendships. President Carol T. Christ will deliver remarks to the senior class. Seniors should wear graduation gowns, but not caps and hoods. Helen Hills Hills Chapel.

4–5 p.m.

12-Step Recovery Program meeting, open to all. Wright Hall 002.

4–6 p.m.

Grécourt Bookshop “Celebration of Creativity” reception honoring Smith community authors. All members of the Smith community, along with alumnae and friends of Smith College, are invited. Campus Center, Carroll Room.

5:30–6:45 p.m.

Senior Celebration for seniors, graduate students and approved students remaining on campus. Tickets ($10 each) available at the event for guests. Davis lawn (rain location: Campus Center).

5:30/6:30–8 p.m.

All Reunion social hour/dinner. Cash bar from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Reservations are required. Tickets can be purchased at the Alumnae House or at the Smith College Conference Center on a space-available basis. Smith College Conference Center.

8 p.m.

Celebrations Dance Company’s Annual Commencement Concert. Smith’s student-run dance company will present several new works. Tickets: $8 general; $5 students/seniors. E-mail celebrat@smith.edu for reservations. Scott Dance Studio, Scott Gymnasium.

8:30 p.m.

Theatre/Staged Reading. The Strength of Stones by Samantha Noble ’12, directed by Kathryn Stewart ’12. Free. Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre, Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts.

Academic regalia for students is available for purchase at the Grécourt Bookshop, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Alumnae House is open from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

7–9 a.m.

Breakfast for alumnae and students served in Chase/Duckett, Cushing/Emerson, King/Scales, and Tyler houses.

8:30 a.m.–11 p.m.

Reunion registration. Alumnae House tent.

8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Admission Office open for browsing and questions. 7 College Lane.

9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Alumnae College program and luncheon, featuring various mini-classes taught by Smith faculty members.

9:15–10:15 a.m.

Meeting of Sophomore Push. Indoor Track and Tennis Facility.

9:15–10:15 a.m.

Meeting of Junior Ushers. Indoor Track and Tennis Facility.

10–11 a.m.

An Open Conversation with President Carol T. Christ. Join President Christ for an informal, “view-from-the-top” conversation about Smith today: the people, the place and the powerful academic programs that continue to produce graduates of influence and distinction. Neilson Library Browsing Room.

10:30 a.m.–Noon

Ivy Day and Commencement Rehearsal. Attendance is mandatory for seniors, Junior Ushers, Sophomore Push and candidates for advanced degrees. Immediately thereafter, the senior class panoramic photograph will be taken inside the facility. Indoor Track and Tennis Facility.

Immediately following the Ivy Day and Commencement Rehearsal–1 p.m.

Senior Luncheon for seniors and all students remaining on campus. Guest tickets ($10 each) will be available at the luncheon. Scott Gymnasium (seniors only); Tyler House (student workers and those with prior approval).

Noon–1:30 p.m.

All Reunion luncheon. Reservations are required. Tickets, on a space-available basis, can be purchased at the Alumnae House or at Cutter/Ziskind. Cutter/Ziskind houses.

1:30–3:30 p.m.

Spinelli Center for Quantitative Learning open house and reception. The Spinelli Center supports students doing quantitative work across the curriculum and is part of the growing web of academic support for students. Spinelli Center, Neilson Library, second floor.

1:30–4:30 p.m.

The Grécourt Society ice cream stand. All alumnae are invited to stop by and enjoy an ice cream treat. Information will be available about The Grécourt Society and including Smith in your estate plans. Campus Center, main level.

2–3 p.m.

Anthropology department reception for anthropology majors, their families and alumnae. Seelye Hall 207.

3–4 p.m.

“Navigating the College Admission Process” for alumnae, parents and their guests. Learn how the admission process works at selective colleges. Bring your questions! Karen Kristof, senior associate director of admission. Admission Office, 8 College Lane.

3–4 p.m.

Campus tour for alumnae, parents and their guests. The tour will depart from the information desk, Campus Center main level.

3–4:15 p.m.

The President’s Chamber Music Concert featuring performances by Smith College seniors in performances of instrumental and vocal chamber music. Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage Hall.

3–5 p.m.

Career Counseling. Transform your career! For alumnae only. Lazarus Center for Career Development.

4–5 p.m.

12-Step Recovery Program meeting, open to all. Wright Hall 002.

5:30 p.m.

Hillel Shabbat service and dinner for seniors and their families. Reservations required, ext. 2754. Neilson Library Browsing Room.

5:30/6:30–8 p.m.

Social hours/dinners for reunion classes 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002 and 2007.

8 p.m.

Celebrations Dance Company’s Annual Commencement Concert. Smith’s student-run dance company will present several new works. Tickets: $8 general; $5 students/seniors. E-mail celebrat@smith.edu for reservations. Scott Dance Studio, Scott Gymnasium.

8 p.m.

Lifeguards’ synchronized swimming show. Join the Lifeguards, the Smith College synchronized swim team, as they present their annual Commencement week show. After the performance, a reception for Lifeguard alumnae, parents and guests will be held in the pool gallery. Dalton Pool, Ainsworth Gymnasium.

8–11 p.m.

Stargazing and Physics/Astronomy Open House. Refreshments and demonstrations, rain or shine; telescopic observations begin at 9 p.m. if weather permits. McConnell Hall foyer and McConnell Rooftop Observatory.

8:30 p.m.

Theatre/Staged Reading. The Strength of Stones by Samantha Noble ’12, directed by Kathryn Stewart ’12. Free. Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre, Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts.

Academic regalia for students is available for purchase at the Grécourt Bookshop, which is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Alumnae House is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

7–9 a.m.

Breakfast for alumnae and students served in Chase/Duckett, Cushing/Emerson, King/Scales and Tyler houses.

8 a.m.

Breakfast for current and former Alumnae Association Board of Directors, Smith College Trustees and medal recipients Hosted by President Carol T. Christ. Alumnae House dining room.

8–8:45 a.m.

Meeting of Sophomore Push. Campus Center 103/104.

8–8:45 a.m.

Meeting of Junior Ushers. Campus Center 003.

8 a.m.–3 p.m.

Reunion registration. Alumnae House tent.

Ivy Day Activities

In the event of rain, the Alumnae Parade, Alumnae Awards Presentation and Awards Convocation will be held in the Indoor Track and Tennis Facility. The signal for such a change in venue will be the ringing of the college bells at 8:15 a.m. Seniors should enter Ainsworth Gymnasium through the glass doors, pick up their roses in the ITT connector and line up as directed by Sophomore Push. Junior Ushers should assemble in the ITT by the overhead door. Alumnae should enter through the main ITT entrance, look for their class-year signs along the far wall and line up with their classes. 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. Alumnae class officer photos will be taken in front of the review- ing stand at the conclusion of the program.

8:45 a.m.

Roses will be distributed to seniors from the front steps of the President’s House. Seniors will then form two lines along the driveway and across Paradise Road in preparation for the Alumnae Parade and Ivy Day procession. Seniors should wear all-white attire and dark shoes. Please be on time.

8:45 a.m.

Junior Ushers assemble. Driveway between Park House and the. Admission Office.

8:45 a.m.

Alumnae Parade assembly. Chapin Drive, between the Campus Center and College Lane.

9:15 a.m.

• Alumnae Parade: 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 into the Quadrangle, past the reviewing stand, and will then be seated.
• State of the College Address and celebration of alumnae gifts. President Carol T. Christ. The Quadrangle
• Presentation of Alumnae Association Awards. The Quadrangle
• The Ivy Day Awards Convocation. The awards convocation ceremony honoring the academic achievements of members of the class of 2012 will conclude with the ceremonial planting of the class ivy. The Quadrangle

11:30 a.m. (or immediately following The Ivy Day Awards Convocation)

Alumnae class officer team photos. Jordan/Gardiner lawn.

11:30 a.m. (or immediately following The Ivy Day Awards Convocation)–1 p.m.

Computer science senior brunch reception for graduating computer science majors, their families and alumnae. Ford Hall 340, Pearsall Seasons Room.

11:30 a.m. (or immediately following The Ivy Day Awards Convocation)–1 p.m.

Center for Women and Financial Independence open house for alumnae, graduates and their families. Learn more about WFI programming from the center’s staff and faculty. Refreshments provided. Center for Women & Financial Independence, Neilson Archway.

Noon

Box lunches for alumnae, including “1776” alumnae, will be distributed. (Some classes will have their class meetings at this time; check at class headquarters.). Campus Center, garden level.

Noon–1 p.m.

Box lunches for seniors, graduate students and approved students remaining on campus. Parents and guests of students may purchase meal tickets on site on a space-available basis. (Price: $11 before May 1, $12 after May 1). Scott Gymnasium.

12:30–1:30 p.m.

Commencement Choral Concert. The Smith College Glee Club, the Chamber Singers and the a cappella group Groove perform works chosen by the graduating class. Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage Hall.

12:30–2 p.m.

Free hands-on art activity relating to a work of art on view in the Museum of Art will be offered for reuning families. For ages 4+ (with an adult). Drop-in, no registration required. Atrium, Museum of Art.

1–2 p.m.

Reception for LGBTQ alumnae and their guests. Seniors and their families are welcome. Alumnae House dining room.

1–5 p.m.

Libraries Special Collections Open House. Mortimer Rare Book Room, Neilson Library, Level 3; Smith College Archives and Sophia Smith Collection, Alumnae Gym, Level A.

1:30–2:30 p.m.

President’s Reception. For seniors and graduate students, their families, guests, faculty, alumnae and staff. Seelye Lawn (rain location: Campus Center).

2–3 p.m.

Center for Work and Life. Jessica Bacal, director of the Center for Work and Life, will show a short video and offer a talk about the center, followed by a tour of the CWL. Dewey Common Room.

2–3 p.m.

Change Ringing of the Mendenhall tower bells.

2–3 p.m.

Emeriti/ae Faculty reception for alumnae and their guests. Neilson Library, Emeriti Lounge, Level B.

2–3 p.m.

Friends of the Botanic Garden drop in horticulture activity for family and friends: Making a Terrarium. Lyman Plant House, room 112.

2:30 p.m.

Celebrations Dance Company’s Annual Commencement Concert. Smith’s student-run dance company will present several new works. Tickets: $8 general; $5 students/seniors. E-mail celebrat@smith.edu for reservations. Scott Dance Studio, Scott Gymnasium.

2:30–3:30 p.m.

East Asian languages and literatures reception for seniors, their families and alumnae. Campus Center 103/104.

2:30–3:30 p.m.

English department reception for seniors, their families and alumnae. Seelye Lawn (canceled in case of rain).

2:30–3:30 p.m.

Reception for Alumnae of Color and their guests. Seniors and their families are welcome. Alumnae House living room and terrace.

2:30–3:30 p.m.

Reception for international alumnae and students, and Junior Year Abroad and study abroad program alumnae and students and their guests. Global Studies Center, Wright Hall.

2:30–3:30 p.m.

Education and child study department reception for seniors, graduate students, families and alumnae. Smith College Campus School.

2:30–3:30 p.m.

Study of Women and Gender 30th Anniversary Panel: How we came to be bad; how we came to be SWG. Faculty stories about turning points we’ve noticed in the past three decades. Panelists will include Lisa Armstrong, Kevin Quashie, Marilyn Schuster, and Susan Van Dyne. Seelye 106.

2:30–4 p.m.

American studies program and sociology department reception for seniors, their families and alumnae. Kahn Institute lounge, Neilson Library, 3rd floor.

2:30–4 p.m.

Economics department reception for seniors, their families and alumnae. Atrium, Museum of Art.

2:30–4 p.m.

Friends of the Libraries reception for alumnae, seniors and their guests in Neilson’s elegant new reading room. Friends of the Libraries Reading Room, Neilson Library.

2:30–4 p.m.

Government department reception for government majors, their families and alumnae. Seelye Hall 207.

2:30–4 p.m.

Phi Beta Kappa initiation, conducted by Chapter Zeta in Massachusetts. Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage Hall.

2:30–4 p.m.

Psychology department reception for psychology majors, their families and alumnae. Young Science Library, Bass Hall.

2:30–4 p.m.

Tennis alumnae gathering. Refreshments served. Outdoor Tennis Courts (canceled in case of rain).

2:30–4 p.m.

The Black Art: Print a broadside on the library’s 1834 iron hand press with rare book curator Martin Antonetti. Mortimer Rare Book Room, Neilson Library, level 3.

3–4 p.m.

Center for Community Collaboration open house for seniors, alumnae and their guests. Center for Community Collaboration, Wright Hall.

3–4 p.m.

History department reception for seniors, alumnae and their guests. Neilson Library Periodicals Room, third floor.

3–4 p.m.

Reception for alumnae who were affiliated with St. John’s Church. St. John’s Church parlors.

3–4:30 p.m.

Afro-American studies reception for seniors, their families and alumnae. Campus Center 003.

3–4:30 p.m.

Art department and landscape studies program reception for seniors, their families and alumnae. Jannotta Gallery, Hillyer Hall, Brown Fine. Arts Center.

3–4:30 p.m.

Botanic Garden reception. View the Lyman Conservatory collections, exhibition gallery and Woods of the World installation. Meet botanic garden staff, and learn about new initiatives and plans for the future. Light refreshments. Lyman Plant House.

3–5 p.m.

Admission Reception for alumnae admission volunteers. Alumnae interested in becoming volunteers are also welcome to attend. Admission Office, 7 College Lane.

3–5 p.m.

Career Counseling. Transform your career! For alumnae only. See “General Information” on page 1. Lazarus Center for Career Development.

3–5 p.m.

Geosciences department reception for geoscience majors, their families and alumnae. Burton Hall foyer.

3–5 p.m.

Italian department reception for seniors, their families and alumnae. Boathouse lawn (rain location: Hatfield 105).

3–5 p.m.

Performing arts reception for seniors, graduate students, their families and alumnae. Hosted by the music, theatre and dance departments. Mezzanine level, Werner Josten Library, Mendenhall CPA.

3:30–4:30 p.m.

Biological sciences, biochemistry, chemistry, environmental science and policy, and neuroscience joint reception for seniors, alumnae and their guests. Ford Hall Atrium, Terrace and Pearsall Season’s Room.

3:30–4:30 p.m.

Picker Engineering Program reception for seniors, alumnae and their guests. Engineering Wing, First Floor, Ford Hall.

3:30–4:30 p.m.

East Asian studies reception for seniors, their families and alumnae. Neilson Library, level 4 core.

3:30–4:30 p.m.

French department and comparative literature reception for seniors, their families and alumnae. Poetry Center, Wright Hall.

3:30–5 p.m.

Mathematics and Statistics department reception for seniors, alumnae and guests. Math Department Forum, Burton Hall 304.

3:30–5 p.m.

Religion department reception for seniors, alumnae and their guests. Dewey Hall Front Porch (rain location: Dewey 104).

3:30–5 p.m.

Program for the Study of Women and Gender reception for seniors, their families and alumnae. Campus Center 205.

4–5 p.m.

12-Step Recovery Program meeting, open to all. Wright Hall 002.

4:30–5:30 p.m.

German studies department Delta Phi Alpha initiation, followed by a reception. Hatfield 203/204.

5–6 p.m.

Fulbright Fellows reception for seniors, graduate students, alumnae, families, friends and faculty supporters. Atrium, Museum of Art.

5:30/6:30–8 p.m.

Social hours/dinners for reunion classes.

6:30–7:30 p.m.

Change Ringing of the Mendenhall tower bells.

7:30–9:30 p.m.

Commencement Orchestra Concert. Featuring soloists from the graduating class. Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage Hall.

8 p.m.

Senior Class Candle-Lighting Ceremony. Upper College Lane (across from Lyman Plant House).

8:30 p.m.

Sophomore Push/Senior Step Sing. Neilson Library steps.

8:30–10 p.m.

Illumination of upper campus with live music performed by the Jay Messer Quintet. See Weather, page 4. (In the event of rain, the Jay Messer Quintet will perform in the Campus Center.).

9–11 p.m.

Ada Comstock Illumination Night Celebration, open to all Ada Comstock Scholars, Ada Comstock alumnae and their guests. Atrium, Museum of Art.

Academic regalia for students is available for purchase at the Grécourt Bookshop at 8 a.m. The bookshop will remain open until 3 p.m. The Alumnae House is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

7–9 a.m.

Breakfast for alumnae and students served in Chase/Duckett, Cushing/Emerson, King/Scales and Tyler houses.

8:30–9:15 a.m.

Meeting of Sophomore Push. The Quadrangle (rain location: Indoor Track and Tennis Facility).

Commencement

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 at 8:15 and 8:30 a.m. For indoor Commencement, 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). The indoor Commencement ceremony will be simulcast live to John M. Greene Hall and Sage Hall (open seating).

9:15 a.m.

Assembling for Commencement: The faculty will assemble in the courtyard behind Laura Scales House. As instructed at rehearsal, all graduates must line up on Mandelle Road in front of Comstock and Wilder houses. They should be on time and cooperate with the Sophomore Push members. Seniors traditionally wear white attire and black shoes with their caps, gowns and hoods. The audience will be seated by 9:45 a.m.

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.

The outdoor Commencement ceremony will be simulcast live to John M. Greene Hall (open seating).

10 a.m.

Commencement Exercises. The Quadrangle.

10–11:30 a.m.

All Reunion brunch for alumnae and guests. Reservations are required. Tickets can be purchased at the Alumnae House on a space-available basis. Alumnae House Conference Hall (1987 and 1992) and Davis Ballroom (1997, 2002, and 2007).

Immediately following Commencement, seniors will march out of the Quadrangle onto the Laura Scales/Franklin King terrace. Graduating seniors only; 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 luncheon honoring seniors and graduate students. College dining rooms, Campus Center.

1 p.m.

Residence houses close for alumnae and guests. (Residence houses close for seniors at noon on Monday, May 21; seniors must return their keys to Clark Hall by noon.)