Emeriti and retired faculty members are valuable participants in the Smith community. They continue to actively contribute to the intellectual and social life of the college through their scholarship and publications, contact with students and alumnae, and their collegial relations with both current and retired faculty members.
The Emeriti Advisory Committee provides a direct means of communication between emeriti faculty and the administration. The committee serves as a forum for emeriti faculty ideas and concerns; makes recommendations about policy changes relevant to emeriti faculty; and provides advice to the president, provost and planning committees about issues relevant to emeriti faculty. In planning for retirement, faculty members often have questions about their opportunities and choices for shaping the next phase of their intellectual careers. The advisory board can assist with information and guidance.
- Mark Aldrich, Marilyn Carlson Nelson Professor Emeritus of Economics
- John Connolly, Sophia Smith Professor Emeritus of Philosophy
- Joseph O'Rourke, Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Professor of Computer Science
- Marjorie Senechal, Louise Wolff Kahn Professor Emerita in Mathematics and History of Science & Technology
- Janie Vanpée, Professor of French Studies
- Hélène Visentin, Chair, Associate Dean of the Faculty/Dean for Academic Development
Emeriti Talks

There are no talks currently scheduled for the 2021–22 academic year.
Out But Not Down (OBND)
Throughout the academic year, the Out But Not Down group generally meets monthly and enjoys a series of speakers and lunches. Membership is automatic. A letter is sent to recent retirees and new members are introduced at the group’s October meeting. Members also gather for an end-of-the-year dinner in May. There is no charge for membership or meals, and spouses or partners are welcome to accompany emeriti.
OBND Schedule
During the 2021—22 academic year, the meetings will be held virtually, at noon – 1:15 p.m. Members of OBND will receive Zoom invitations and instructions on how to join by email.
Date |
Speaker/Topic |
Monday, October 4, 2021 |
“Pop-up Geometry: The Math behind Pop-Up Cards,” presented by Joseph O'Rourke |
Monday, November 1, 2021 |
“Toward Decarbonization: Geothermal opportunities for district energy in the Northeast, A.K.A: what in earth should Smith do?,” presented by Denise McKahn |
Monday, December 6, 2021 |
[Title forthcoming], presented by Maria Helena Rueda |
Monday, February 7, 2022 | [Title forthcoming], presented by Jack Loveless |
Monday, March 7, 2022 | [Title forthcoming], presented by Daphne Lamothe |
Monday, April 4, 2022 | [Title forthcoming], presented by Nancy Whittier |

Officers 2021–22
President: John Brady
Vice-President: Justina Gregory
Secretary: Patricia Sweetser
Treasurer: Charles Johnson
Emeriti & Retirement Resources
Retirement Benefits
Human Resources can cover the college's retirement benefits, including income replacement and health insurance.
View moreAccess & Support for Retired Faculty
Retired faculty retain access to many campus resources and continue to receive support for their scholarship and development.
View moreAssociation of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education
AROHE is a nonprofit association supporting all stages of retirement.
View moreFive College Learning in Retirement
Peer-led seminars and workshops are the core activities of Five College Learning in Retirement.
View more