Steinem to Speak at 2007
Commencement
Many Smith students and alumnae have basked in the reflected
glory of their famous Smith sister: editor, journalist and political activist Gloria
Steinem. On May 20, Steinem, a tireless promoter of equality for women, will share
the spotlight with the class of 2007 as speaker at Smith College’s 129th commencement
ceremony at 10 a.m.
Steinem’s lifelong career as a writer and journalist
began when she graduated from Smith magna cum laude in 1956. By the 1970s, Steinem
had gained national attention as an outspoken leader of the women’s movement.
In 1972, she co-founded Ms. magazine, which became an influential forum for feminist
issues. Steinem also joined several other leading feminists—including Betty
Friedan ’42—to found the National Women’s Political Caucus.
Steinem has authored several books including Outrageous
Acts and Everyday Rebellions, Revolution from Within, Moving Beyond Words and most
recently Doing Sixty and Seventy; in 2006, she launched the all-female all-talk national
radio network GreenStone Media with actress Jane Fonda and several other prominent
women.
Steinem received an honorary degree from Smith in 1988
and was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, N.Y.,
in 1993. She has twice before delivered the commencement address at Smith, in 1971
and 1995.
After Steinem’s address, four other accomplished
women will receive honorary degrees. They are Dr. Helene Gayle, human rights and
public health advocate; Ruth Holmberg ’43, journalist and publisher; Nancy
Hopkins, geneticist and professor; and Lauren Lazin ’82, award-winning filmmaker
and MTV producer.
Visit www.smith.edu/commencement for more information. |
