Smith Botanic Garden Joins Mass. Network of Outdoor Gems

Massachusetts may not be known primarily for its gardens, but the state is home to some of the oldest and most lavish gardens in the nation. Smith's Botanic Garden, which was recently awarded an arboretum accreditation, is one of 10 public botanic gardens statewide in a new consortium, called Mass Botanic Gardens, of the state's horticultural gems. The gardens are highlighted online with photos, descriptions and tourist information.

Students Immersed in American Culture

For participants in Smith's American College Immersion Program (ACIP), in progress on campus this month, examples of American culture and history abound in Northampton and the surrounding valley. The ACIP hosts international students from July 7 to August 3 for a rigorous program of language instruction and acclimation to American college life.

Senior Speaks Out for Human Rights

One week after Melissa Fares '14 delivered a speech on the floor of the United Nations Human Rights Council, calling for the renewal of a Special Rapporteur to monitor human rights issues in Belarus, officials from the Eastern European country reversed their initial decision and renewed a mandate for the position.

Ann Martin '77 Donates Papers

It's one of the most successful literary series of all time: The Baby-sitters Club, a collection of novels created by Ann Martin '77 about a group of middle school students who run their own baby-sitting business. In April, Martin donated her papers to Smith. View a video in which Martin discusses the donation and her days at Smith.

Magic Grant Awarded to Recent Grad

Ada Comstock Scholar Emily Cook '11 is the third recipient of Smith's Helen Gurley Brown Magic Grant, named after the legendary editor and founder of Cosmopolitan, which helps Ada Comstock Scholars or recent graduates reach their highest potential by supporting internships, research, travel and artistic projects.

Smith to Preserve 190 Acres at MacLeish

Smith will soon enter an agreement to permanently preserve in its natural state 190 acres of forested hilltop land at the Ada and Archibald MacLeish Field Station. The Conservation Restriction was signed by college officials on July 30 at the Bechtel Environmental Classroom.

Faculty Travel Far for Public Presentations

Dennis Yasutomo, government, addressed officials of the Asian Development Bank during an Eminent Speakers' Forum in May, in Manila, Philippines. John Davis, art, is among art and architecture experts asked to speak at the 2013 New Orleans Antiques Forum in early August. Meanwhile, Janine Olthuis '08 added another academic award to her growing list. PeopleNews.