Read Smith’s plans for the fall 2021 semester.
Current Operating Mode: GREEN
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
- Katherine Halvorsen Professor Emerita of Mathematics & Statistics
- 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 2020–21 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 2020—21 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 12, 2020 |
“A Discussion of the 2020 National Elections,” moderated by Don Baumer |
Monday, November 16, 2020 |
“Student Recruitment in a Pandemic - Implications for Smith and Higher Education,” presented by Audrey Smith |
Monday, December 14, 2020 |
“Teaching Laboratory Sciences Remotely During the Pandemic: Examples from Chemistry,” presented by Kate Queeney |
Friday, March 5, 2021 | “How to Read a Faulkner Sentence” presented by Michael Gorra |
Monday, April 5, 2021 | “Some Reflections on Piano Playing and Teaching” presented by Jiayan Sun |
Monday, May 17, 2021 | “COVID Economics” presented Mahnaz Mahdavi |

Officers 2020–21
President: Lâle Burk
Vice-President: John Brady
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