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Backpack to Briefcase Highlights

Randy Bartlett, professor of economics, imparts some words of financial widom to Smith seniors. The Women and Financial Independence Program at Smith College is designed to provide women with the skills and knowledge necessary to address financial matters that may arise in their personal, professional, family and community lives. (6:09)

Sylvia Plath 75th Year Symposium

Sylvia Plath’s Smith College roommate and friends spoke about their memories of the late poet during a symposium April 25 and 26. Through a combination of talks from both scholars and friends, students and admirers of Plath’s poetry, conference participants considered Plath both academically and personally, celebrating the 75th birthday of one of Smith’s great alumnae. (5:30)

Doing the News in the Age of New Media

On April 10, the Friends of the Libraries hosted a discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing the business of news reporting. The panel was moderated by Judith Milestone '66, Smith trustee and long-time CNN executive, and featured Susan Greene '68, cable television expert; Stacy Teicher Khadaroo '93, Christian Science Monitor journalist; Laurel Touby '85, founder of mediabistro.com; and Ellen Weiss '81, vice president for news, National Public Radio. (44 minutes)

Celebrating Collaborations 2008

Exciting student-faculty collaborations unfold on our campus every day. Smith's annual showcase of student research and performance highlights students' intellectual achievements and collaborative efforts with faculty in a variety of departmental, program and interdisciplinary projects. (4:28)

Out of the Sky: 9/11 by Werner Pfeiffer

At an opening reception for an exhibition of his artist books, Werner Pfeiffer assembled Out of the Sky: 9/11, his tribute to the victims of the destruction of the World Trade Center in 2001. This book, with a prominent sculptural component, engages the reader/viewer as he or she assembles a series of printed segments to construct a model of the twin towers nearly 6 feet high. The exhibit in the Neilson Library Book Arts Gallery continues through July 2008. (17:30)

Smith College Democrats and Republicans

With the presidential primaries capturing the attention of the media and the nation, it seems an appropriate time to hear about political activity here at Smith. Hear from seniors Samantha Lewis from Springfield, Massachusetts, president of the Smith Republicans, and Sidnie Davis from Concord, California, president of the Smith Democrats. They discuss political interest on campus, their organizations' activities, and their own personal political aspirations.

Professor Eric Reeves Receives Honorary Degree

Perspectives on the Darfur Genocide
Eric Reeves, Smith professor of English language and literature and human rights advocate, received an honorary degree from Smith College on March 6, 2008. A panel discussion moderated by Reeves, titled “Perspectives on the Darfur Genocide,” followed the awarding of the degree. (4:23)

Sol LeWitt Installation at the Museum of Art

Wall Drawing #139 (Grid and arcs from the midpoints of four sides)
In 2000, when the Smith College Museum of Art had closed for a major renovation and expansion, an anonymous donor from the class of 1947 gave the museum Sol LeWitt’s Wall Drawing #139 (Grid and arcs from the midpoints of four sides) (1972). This important early wall drawing, which is executed in black pencil, was installed at the museum in January 2008.

Circadian Rhythms and Sleep Deprivation

Interview with Mary Harrington, Smith College Tippit Professor in the Life Sciences
Sleep deprivation is a common occurrence in modern day society and affects millions of people. Disturbances in our normal sleep patterns can result in serious health problems. Harrington discusses the detrimental effects of disruptions to circadian rhythms, and addresses how her studies in chronotherapy might benefit cancer patients.

Women, Writing and Mental Illness: From Freud to fMRI

Interview with Michele Wick, Instructor in the Smith College Department of Psychology
For years, researchers have attempted to confirm the belief that genius is allied to madness. Scholars studying the lives of unusually creative people have discovered that the number of individuals with severe psychiatric illness is unexpectedly high. Michele Wick is exploring the relationship between creativity and mental illness in a research project.