News for the Smith College Community | November 7, 1996
When Otelia Cromwell became Smith's first African-American alumna nearly
a century ago, she hardly could have imagined that her spirit would live
on in an important annual celebration named in her honor. Each year, since
1989, Otelia Cromwell Day has offered students, faculty and staff an opportunity
to briefly step away from their usual pursuits in order to explore the issues
of racism, diversity and community and how they affect us here at Smith
and beyond.
Otelia Cromwell Day 1996 will be held on Thursday, November 14, but related
events will take place throughout that week. Andrea Hairston '74, associate
professor of theatre, and Marjorie Richardson, assistant dean for minority
affairs, are co-chairs of this year's 12-member planning committee, and,
once again, the schedule is full of myriad panels, workshops and performances.
Thursday's festivities will officially open at 1 p.m in John M. Greene Hall
with a keynote address by Pearl Cleage. An Atlanta-based writer who was
Playwright in Residence at Smith in 1994, Cleage has two books of essays
to her credit and is a contributor to noted publications such as Essence
and Ms. She is also a columnist for the Atlanta Tribune and the founding
editor of CATALYST magazine.
Cleage's play Flyin' West has been produced more than a dozen times at prestigious
venues across the country, such as The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Blues for an Alabama Sky, which premiered in 1995, was performed as part
of the 1996 Cultural Olympiad in Atlanta, in conjunction with the Olympic
Games. Closer to home, it has also been produced at Hartford Stage. Her
other dramatic works include Late Bus to Mecca, Chain, Hospice and Essentials.
Moreover, observes Hairston, "Pearl Cleage is a performance artist
as well as a writer, and she has a lovely, gentle way of telling you the
hardest truths. It is interesting not only to hear her wisdom but to
experience her presenting it."
The title of Cleage's Otelia Cromwell Day address, "Racism and the
Production of Knowledge," has been adopted as the theme for the entire
symposium. In explaining this theme and why it was selected, Hairston points
out that "Racism does not come in our genes. It is a cultural construct
based on our world views-views that each academic discipline can investigate.
For instance, there are scientific ideas, theatrical ideas, religious and
spiritual ideas, etc., that have all contributed to the overall world view
in which racism exists."
Hairston maintains that, "as an academic community, we at Smith can
take a broad look at how we produce knowledge and how that knowledge relates
to the creation of racism." The Otelia Cromwell Day events, she notes,
will provide a chance to go beyond the areas of study, such as sociology
and psychology, that are traditionally examined when racism is explored,
and include others that range from mathematics and physics to theatre and
literature.
Indeed, the Cromwell calendar is full of enticing and seemingly disparate
options, from a workshop on "Reality, Relativity and Subjectivity,"
led by philosopher Murray Kiteley and physicist Doreen Weinberger, to a
gospel-singing session, conducted by UMass music professor Horace Boyer.
Another Thursday highlight will be a 7:30 p.m. concert by Buffy Sainte-Marie.
Born on a Cree reservation in Canada, Sainte-Marie, a musician and visual
artist who holds a Ph.D. in Fine Art from the University of Massachusetts,
became a well-known singer and songwriter in the 1960s. Her protest and
love songs were also made famous by other popular performers, from Janis
Joplin to Elvis Presley.
Later, she and her son, Dakota, were featured on Sesame Street, where they
helped young audiences learn about Native American culture. In 1982, "Up
Where We Belong," the theme song she composed for the film An Officer
and A Gentleman, earned her an Academy Award. A reception in Unity House
will offer an opportunity to meet Sainte-Marie immediately following her
Smith concert.
Although the majority of Otelia Cromwell events are slated for November
14, some have been scheduled on other days as well in order to maximize
attendance. "We didn't want all of the events competing with one another,"
says Hairston, "and because the emphasis this year is on exploring
racism through the eyes of varied disciplines, we wanted people to have
the opportunity to attend a range of panels and presentations." The
program, thus, will begin on Monday, November 11, at 4 p.m., with an Indian
classical dance, theatre and music workshop, presented by Ranjanaa Devi
and the Nataraj Dancers, and it will conclude on Friday, November 15, at
8 p.m., with A Story is a Story, a performance by former theatre department
member Deborah Lubar.
Dates and times for Otelia Cromwell Day offerings are listed in the calendar
section of this week's AcaMedia. Students, faculty and staff will also receive
an individual copy of the complete symposium program, which provides more
details on the presenters and their events.
They're far too young to remember Otelia Cromwell, who graduated from
Smith in 1900, but several outstanding former Smithies ---all women of color
---will be on campus on November 14 to celebrate her day and present a special
program.
"Career Development and Networking: Tips from Three Alumnae" is
being sponsored by the Student Alumnae Association and will feature Marilynn
Davis '73, Mattie Peterson Compton '72 and Dale H. Robinson '86.
Davis, assistant secretary for administration at the United States Department
of Housing and Urban Development, was nominated to her current post by President
Clinton in April 1993 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate a month later. Compton
presently holds the position of Assistant United States Attorney and Deputy
Civil Chief of the Northern District of Texas and Fort Worth. Robinson,
executive director of a professional public policy society, also teaches
social policy at Howard University.
During the panel presentation, each visitor will share how the knowledge
she gained and experiences she had at Smith have contributed to her personal
and professional life. The guests will describe their career paths and choices,
offer advice to current undergraduates and discuss how Smith students can
draw on the resources of alumnae.
Two consecutive sessions are scheduled for Thursday, November 14, in the
Gamut, Mendenhall CPA. The panels, to be held from 3:30-4:30 p.m. and 4:45-5:45
p.m., will be moderated by Katy McColl '99, and refreshments will be served.
For more information, contact Jane Gayamat '98, Alumnae Association junior
intern, at extension 7270, or Debbie Davis, assistant director for alumnae
outreach, at extension 2046.
Students: Are you already looking ahead to when you, too, will be among
that remarkable group of women from all over the world who are proud to
call themselves Smith alumnae? Well, you can join this exclusive club sooner
than you think.
The Student Alumnae Association of Smith College (SAASC) is in its second
year of operation. Founded last year to help involve students with the alumnae
community, it is an opportunity to meet and network with amazing Smith alumnae
while you are still an undergraduate. It is also a great way to get an alumnae
perspective on Smith and to learn about all the options that await you upon
graduation.
To find out more about SAASC and how you can become involved, come to the
open house meeting on Wednesday, November 13, in the Alumnae House Living
Room, at 6:45 p.m. Questions? Call Jessica at extension 6390 or Katie at
7924.
United Way Lottery Results
Linda Chirgwin has supported the United Way for years. The RADS computer
systems coordinator notes that many of her family members have been greatly
helped by Hospice -- a former UW agency -- and she also believes in contributing
to the other diverse organizations that United Way assists. This year, however,
in addition to the satisfaction that Chirgwin will enjoy for again being
part of a worthwhile effort, she'll also especially enjoy the benefits of
parking right next to her office.
Chirgwin was one of 10 Smith employees whose names were selected in this
season's first United Way prize lottery, and her award -- a personal parking
place anywhere on campus for one year-has made her the envy of her colleagues.
The other winners in the October 25 drawing were: Elizabeth Trojanowski
($50 gift certificate from Mulino's Trattoria); Nancy Hill (free lunch at
the Smith College Club); Margery Sly ($50 gift certificate from Hampshire
Frame and Art); Pam Kukucka (two tickets to the Academy of Music); Al Curran
(landscape consultation with Tracey Warton); Peter Rowe ($25 gift certificate
from Grécourt Bookshop); Sandra Sayers ($15 gift certificate from
Status Plus); Ronald Perera ($5 gift certificate from Davis Center) and
Ann-Marie LaFosse (compact disc by Karen Smith Emerson).
A second lottery prize drawing was held on November 1; two more will follow
on November 8 and 15. (Watch AcaMedia for winners.) There are lots of great
prizes still on the docket, along with two more reserved parking spots.
On December 13, all Hampshire County United Way donors who have pledged
at least $52 ($1 per week) to the current campaign will be eligible for
a final drawing for a trip for two anywhere in the United States.
So, whether you've got your eye on a prize or simply want to help the many
local agencies, families and individuals who depend on the United Way, don't
forget to make your gift right away.
Organizers of Smith's first Denim Day are pleased to report the event's
success. As part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, college employees
who donated $5 or more to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation were
invited to wear casual denim clothing to work on October 25. Across the
nation, other corporations and organizations joined in the effort as well.
According to Human Resources Employment Specialist Mark Carmien, a member
of the Staff Council Activities Committee, which sponsored Denim Day, 233
Smith employees took part, representing "nearly every department at
the college" and raising $1,555 for the Komen fund. "The response
on campus was very positive," Carmien notes, "especially among
those who ordinarily don't wear denim to work. The results went far beyond
our expectations."
Carmien and his Activities Committee colleagues hope that Denim Day will
become an annual tradition here and that next year's results will be even
better.
Attention all staff members: Staff Council will host this year's second
Community Forum on Friday, November 15, from 1:30-2:30 p.m., in Sage Hall.
According to the council's chair, Marilyn Woodman, assistant director of
corporation and foundation relations, the theme for the meeting will be
"communication and staff participation in the life of the college."
Highlights will include a brief presentation by Director of Institutional
Diversity Carmen Santana-Melgoza and a discussion of staff involvement in
the current college-wide self-study.
Last year, "What's Happening at the Botanic Garden" by Candi
Talley AC became a popular AcaMedia feature, and many readers commented
that they enjoyed having a good reason to keep their eyes and brains engaged
as they traversed the campus each day. Thus, in that same spirit, we now
introduce another sporadic offering, written by Lorna Blake, director emerita
of admission.
During her 18 years at Smith, Blake was quartered in College Hall, Drew
Hall, Garrison Hall and, finally, at 7 College Lane. Now, however, she is
more apt to be found behind a net and racquet in the Indoor Track and Tennis
facility, and it is there that she first became fascinated by vexillology
-- the study of flags -- which is the subject of her new column.
"I have enough '-ologies' to study at Smith without adding one with
a funny name like that," you may say as you skip to the next article.
So let me start again.
When I walked into the Indoor Track and Tennis facility to witness Ruth
Simmons' inauguration last fall, I was intrigued by the flags newly hanging
on the walls. Displaying these flags of the nations represented by our students
is a great way to celebrate Smith's internationalism and diversity, I thought.
For the next few weeks, whenever I went to the ITT, I found myself checking
the flags and trying to identify as many as possible.
Having always considered myself an international type, I was surprised to
see so many flags I could not recognize at first glance. Those 58 flags
on the wall seemed to challenge me to get up-to-date with a world entering
the 21st century, and I was soon hooked on the necessity of finding out
the history and origin of every one there. In other words, I had become
an amateur vexillologist. And I've spent the last year bumping into joggers
and irritating my tennis partners by missing an easy ball while working
out what the symbolism on each piece of cloth in front of me might mean.
Of course, I probably could have found many answers by calling the International
Students Office, but what fun would that have been? Besides, my progress
quickened when I realized that the flags were hung in alphabetical order,
from Australia to Zimbabwe or -- as the jogger runs -- from Zimbabwe to
Australia. (Old Glory comes first and is not in order.) I've enjoyed identifying
all the flags, save one (more about that in a future issue), and I have
learned all sorts of interesting snippets of history, geography, international
politics and legend in the process.
Perhaps you have wondered about those flags, too, and want to know more
about them. So, over the weeks ahead, I thought I'd pass on the information
I've gathered -- but in question form. Think how healthy you'll be if you
participate in this on-going quiz, because you'll have to keep moving on
the track, no matter how intriguing the flags may be. As for the academic
benefits, let me admit this isn't the sort of history to get you an A from
Professor Afferica, but it might be worth a thousand dollars in a Jeopardy
game one day, so get out your jogging shoes and head for the ITT.
See how many flags you can identify on your initial walk around. (I've given
you the first and last already, so concentrate on understanding the designs
of those flags.) Judging from a random test I forced on some long-suffering
friends, recognizing 10 would be above average. Flags are constantly changing
as countries develop. Let's start at home.
1. In what year did the first Stars and Stripes flag fly?
2. How often has it been changed and why?
3. When was the present version first flown?
You know all this without going to the gym? Well then, here's another question:
4. What nation adopted our stripes when designing its own flag? What do
those stripes stand for? What other symbols are on that flag?
Finally, to save the AcaMedia editor the necessity of a disclaimer, let
me say at the beginning of this series that any mistakes and/or misinterpretations
are all mine. I'm learning as I go along and welcome additional information.
Please e-mail me (lblake@ais) and let me know if I can quote you, where
appropriate. And you'll find answers to this quiz in my next column.
No, this isn't a statement about which Smith publication supersedes all
others in the hearts and minds of readers -- it's simply a reminder about
AcaMedia regulations and policies, which can sometimes seem confusing. Please
take the time to read the information that follows, and feel free to call
extension 2175 if you have questions.
AcaMedia Calendar/Notices
AcaMedia News Articles
External Media
Remember, although the three departments listed above do share information
regularly, in order to guarantee that your news or event reaches all required
outlets, it is your responsibility to contact each department separately.
For most basketball aficionados, abbreviations like FGA (field goal attempts),
TO (turnovers) and FTM (free throws made) are familiar fare. But, for the
Smith hoop team, another more well-known notation is equally important:
GPA.
The Smith squad was recently included on The Women's Basketball Coaches
Association's first-ever Academic Top-25 Team Ho-or Roll, which recognized
the nation's highest NCAA Division III grade point averages for the 1995p;96
season. According to the WBCA, Coach Jim Babyak's Pioneers posted a GPA
of 3.19. Wellesley College and Worcester Polytechnic Institute were Smith's
only NEW 8 Conference competitors to also make the list.
The members of the '95-'96 team were: Melody Lineback '99, Joanna Dunn '97,
Crystal Campaigne '99, Jill Juhasz '96, Ann Miller '96, Anna Lee '96, Cara
Singer '99, Brandyn Sanderson '99, Meegan Edmiston '99, Katie Nicholson
'98, Maria Vernace '96, Ann Forst '96, Lisa Matter '99 and Allyson Mazzuchi
'99.
Eight Smith students of color recently participated in the 1996 Fifth
Annual Meeting of the Science/Engineering Academic Support Network at Massachusetts
Institute of Technology in Cambridge.
This specialized network is designed to help students develop academic survival
skills in mathematics, science and engineering and prepare them to be successful
professionals in these fields. The conference provided the students with
an opportunity to network with advisers and meet scientists from varied
disciplines. The Network is sponsored by the New England Board of Higher
Education, M.I.T.'s Office of the Provost and the Black Alumni of M.I.T.
The students who attended the two-day meeting were: Nia Burton '98, Dawn
Kirnon '98, Rachael Gordon AC '97, Binta Jeffers '00, Ine Lolomari '99,
Layla Rivera '00, Tariro Makadzange '98 and Annisah Um'rani '99. The Smith
contingent found the conference to be very informative and especially helpful
in assisting them in identifying summer job and internship opportunities.
Space is limited at this popular event, notes Casey Clark, science outreach
coordinator. Students who think they might like to take part next year should
contact her now at extension 3951 or via e-mail to KCClark@smith.
When the curtain goes up on Commonwealth Opera's production of South
Pacific next week, the spotlight will shine on two Smith staff members.
Greg Young, science department shop technician, will appear in the key comedic
role of Luther Billis and is rumored to be featured in at least one potentially
show-stopping musical moment!
Young was also recently the subject of a Greenfield Recorder article that
touted McConnell Halls's resident Mr. Wizard as being "proficient at
an amazing number of specialties," which, over his two decades here
at Smith, have included everything from repairing electron microscopes to
keeping brain tissue alive. Commonwealth Opera audiences will undoubtedly
remember Young's talents, as well, from last year's Showboat, in which he
also performed a principal part.
Also appearing in South Pacific will be Deb Orgera, Five College Marine
and Coastal Studies program assistant. As Ensign Janet McGregor, a Navy
nurse, Orgera reports that she has three lines to say and will join fellow
nurses to sing and -- much to her chagrin -- to dance in several of the
show's trademark numbers including "Honey Bun"(which also includes
an appearance by Honey Bun "herself," looking suspiciously like
Greg Young). "Half of the nurses are over 40; the other half are under
20," Orgera notes. "It makes for a very interesting mix."
South Pacific will open at the Academy of Music on Thursday, November 14,
and continue through Sunday, November 17. Curtain time for the Thursdayp;Saturday
shows is at 8 p.m. On Sunday, there is a matinee at 2 p.m. For ticket information,
call the Box Office at 586-8686 or
1-800-THE-TICK.
Workshop: "Procrastination." Sharpen your study skills in this
series of CAD workshops. Bring a bag lunch; refreshments will be served.
Maximum 20. Sign up in advance at the CAD, Seelye 307.
12:15-1 p.m., Seelye Hall 306
French language lunch table
12:15 p.m., Duckett House Special Dining Room
Italian language lunch table
12:15 p.m., Duckett House Special Dining Room
CDO workshop: How To Find A January Internship.
12:15 p.m., CDO, Drew Hall
Informational meeting: S.O.S./CDO Echoing Green Fellowship. For graduating
seniors and 1986-1996 alumnae. This private foundation provides seed money
of up to $15,000 for students to design and start an innovative community
service program in the United States or abroad. The foundation is seeking
socially oriented entrepreneurs. Local representatives will be available.
12:15-1:30 p.m., Group Room, CDO, Drew Hall
CDO workshop: How To Write An Effective Résumé.
2:45 p.m., CDO, Drew Hall
Workshop: "Sacred Body Sacred Mind" with Ranjanaa Devi & Nataraj
Dancers. Indian classical dance, theater and music workshop. Part of Otelia
Cromwell Day Symposium.
4 p.m., Green Room, Mendenhall CPA
Religious activity: Scripture study and discussion with chaplains Elizabeth
Carr and Richard Unsworth.
4-5 p.m., Bodman lounge, Chapel
Meeting: Amnesty International.
4-5 p.m., Seelye Hall 105
Meeting: Smith Debate Society.
4-6 p.m., Seelye Hall 107
Lecture: New series, "Smith Lives: At the Intersection of Professional
and Personal Histories," with Nelly Hoyt, professor emerita of history.
4:30 p.m., Seelye Hall 207
Meeting: Smith Intervarsity Christian Fellowship Gospel of Mark Bible group.
All are welcome.
7-8:30 p.m., Seelye Hall 107
CDO informational meeting: MBNA New England (bank holding company).
7:30 p.m., Seelye Hall 109
Lecture: "Women's Rights and Islam," by Saima Waheed, director
of outreach at Hartford Seminary. Part of Islam Awareness Week. Sponsored
by Al-Iman. Call Shaneela at ext. 7462 or Sarah at ext. 6208.
8-9:30 p.m., Seelye Hall 106
Meeting: Five College chapter of Society for Creative Anachronism, to plan
for events, learn new songs and foster interest in the Middle Ages.
9-10 p.m., Seelye Hall 208*
Special event: Smith College Blood Drive. Questions? Call the S.O.S.
office at ext. 2756 or Shaneela Malik at ext. 7462.
11 a.m.-5 p.m., Davis ballroom*
Luncheon: S.O.S. Community Education Luncheon, "Locked out." Tanagra
Melgarejo and Maritza Rios from the Housing Discrimination Project speak
about illegal housing discrimination. Pizza and refreshments will be served.
Noon-1 p.m., Wright Hall common room
Luncheon meeting: Sigma Xi. "What makes Quantum Mechanics Weird,"
by Murray Kiteley, Sophia Smith Professor Emeritus of Philosophy; Piotr
Decowski, professor of physics and Doreen Weinberger, associate professor
of physics.
Noon, Smith College Club downstairs lounge
Religious activity: Episcopal-Lutheran Fellowship meets in the parish house
parlor for worship, lunch and friendship. All welcome.
Noon, St. John's Church on Elm Street
Deutscher Tisch language lunch table
12:15 p.m., Duckett House Special Dining Room
Japanese language lunch table
12:15 p.m., Duckett House Special Dining Room
Workshop: "Conflict Resolution: Mediator Training Part 2." Part
of the Staff Training and Development Workshop series. Questions? Contact
Kathleen Chatwood at ext. 2263.
1-4 p.m., Neilson Library Browsing Room
Informational meeting: Oxford Summer Seminar. Professor David Paroissien,
director of the University of Massachusetts Oxford Summer Seminar, will
meet with students interested in six-week seminar at Trinity College, Oxford,
from July 3 to August 13, 1997. Tutorial courses offered in English Literature,
history and art history. Earn credits towards your degree. Applications
considered from all majors.
4-5:30 p.m., Seelye Hall 106
CDO informational meeting: New England Minority Network. A resource organization
committed to helping independent schools implement programs of diversity.
During January, juniors and seniors are given the opportunity to intern
at a member school. No experience necessary. Questions? Contact Ken Johnston,
CDO, ext. 2581.
4 p.m., CDO, Drew Hall
CDO informational meeting: Work in Britain using a CIEE student work permit.
Representatives of BUNAC, which issues short-term work permits for U.S.
students, will answer your questions.
4:15 p.m., Seelye Hall 110
Slide lecture: "The Carving of the Column of Trajan," by Peter
Rockwell, an authority on ancient marble. Included will be slides of the
column taken from the scaffolding during a recent cleaning project.
4:15 p.m., Hillyer Hall 117*
Lecture: "How to Choose Your Sexual Orientation: A Philosophical Exploration,"
by Edward Stein, department of philosophy, Yale University. Sponsored by
the philosophy department.
4:30 p.m., Dewey common room*
Informational meeting: Study Abroad in Spain and Latin America.
5-6 p.m., Seelye Hall 201
Meeting: Grécourt Review.
5-6 p.m., Seelye Hall 202
Meeting: Keystone Campus Crusade for Christ Bible study.
5-6 p.m., Bodman lounge, Chapel
Special event: Talk of the World series, "Globalization and International
Inequality-Will It Grow or Shrink?" by Charles Staelin, professor of
economics. Sponsored by International Students Organization. Dinner included.
Questions? Call Negin at ext. 6764.
5:40-7 p.m., Duckett Special Dining room
Swimming and diving vs. Clark.
7 p.m., Dalton pool, Ainsworth*
Meeting: Senate. All are welcome.
7 p.m., Seelye Hall 201
Meeting: A Course in Miracles study group led by Marianna Kaul-Connolly.
7 p.m., Bodman lounge, Chapel
Workshop: "Using Sources." Covers the processes involved in the
correct use of source materials: note-taking techniques, selection of material
for quotation or paraphrase, avoidance of plagiarism, etc. Students will
work with sample texts and should feel free to bring questions relating
to current projects. Sign up at CAD, Seelye 307.
7 p.m., Seelye Hall 308
CDO workshop: How to Prepare for a Successful Interview.
7 p.m., CDO, Drew Hall
CDO Open Hours
7-9 p.m., CDO, Drew Hall
Workshop: Female Figure-Drawing Session. Free. Sponsored by Art Resources
Committee. Smith students w/ID and Five College students w/ID and sticker
welcome. Jen at ext. 7698 or Naomi at ext. 4054
7-10 p.m. Hillyer Hall room 18/19
Lecture: "The Institutions of Social Pacification: From Within and
Without," by Kenneth R. Stow, professor of Jewish history, University
of Haifa and 1996 Ruth and Clarence Kennedy Professor in the Renaissance
at Smith. Third lecture in series, "How to Survive in an Early Modern
Ghetto: Rome in the Sixteenth Century."
7:30 p.m., Wright Hall Auditorium*
CDO informational meeting: D.E. Shaw (investment banking).
7:30 p.m., Seelye Hall 206
Panel discussion: Educational forum on the health risks of daily household
toxins. Four speakers from MassPIRG.
7:30-9:30 p.m., Seelye Hall 106*
CDO workshop: Confused about career choices and directions? This workshop
will introduce the tools to clarify your goals, values and skills and assist
you with career decisions.
8 p.m., CDO, Drew Hall
Special event: Smith College Blood Drive. (See 11/12 listing.)
11 a.m.-5 p.m., Davis ballroom*
Religious activity: Gathering and discussion/reflection for Catholic Adas.
Lunch will be served.
Noon-1 p.m., Bodman lounge, Chapel
CAD Workshop: Time Management. (See 11/11 listing, "Procrastination.")
12:15-1 p.m., Seelye Hall 306
Korean language lunch table
12:15 p.m., Duckett House Special Dining Room
Spanish & Portuguese language lunch table
12:15 p.m., Duckett House Special Dining Room
Lecture: Round River Conservation Programs. Nat Larson of Round River will
give a slide presentation on programs offered year-round in San Juan Islands,
Belize, British Columbia, Arizona and Utah. Work focuses on endangered species.
Part of Five College Coastal and Marine Sciences Summer and Semester Programs
Series.
4:15 p.m., Burton Hall 101*
Discussion with Muslim students and professors knowledgeable in Islam and
Islamic culture. All are welcome to come raise concerns or questions. RSVP,
Saima at ext. 6031.
5:45-7 p.m., Special Duckett dining room
Informational meeting: Smith Pro-life Alliance. Discussion of abortion issues.
All are welcome.
6-7 p.m., Haven House dining room
Meeting: Learn about Student Alumnae Association. Questions? Call Jessica
ext. 6390 or Katie ext. 7942. (See news article.)
6:45 p.m., Alumnae House Living Room
Performance: Bamidele Dancers and Drummers. African dance. Otelia Cromwell
Day event.
7 p.m., Sweeney Concert Hall*
Five College CDO informational meeting: Security First Group.
7 p.m., College Career Development Center, Mount Holyoke
Workshop: Male Figure-Drawing Session. Free. Sponsored by Art Resources
Committee. Smith students w/ID and Five College students w/ID and sticker
are welcome. Jen at ext. 7698 or Naomi at ext. 4054
7-10 p.m., Hillyer Hall room 18/19
Religious activity: Buddhist service and discussion.
7:15 p.m., Bodman Lounge, Chapel
Five College CDO informational meeting: Goldman Sachs (investment banking).
7:30 p.m., Porter Lounge, Converse Hall, Amherst College
Special event: Reflections on the Election with Molly Ivins. Sponsored by
Campus Climate Working Group.
8 p.m., John M. Greene Hall*
Lecture: "Okinawa, Asian Security, and U.S.-Japan Relations,"
by Chalmers Johnson, president of the Japan Policy Research Institute. Sponsored
by East Asian Studies Program, government department and Five College Peace
and World Security Studies Program.
8 p.m., Stoddard Hall Auditorium*
Performance: Midnight Theatre.
11 p.m., Stage Right, Mendenhall CPA*
Otelia Cromwell Day
Luncheon meeting: "The Postcolonial Juvenal," by Nancy Shumate,
associate professor of classical languages and literatures. Part of Liberal
Arts Luncheon Series, open to faculty, emeriti and staff.
Noon, Smith College Club lower level
Chinese language lunch table
12:15 p.m., Duckett House Special Dining Room
Russian language lunch table
12:15 p.m., Duckett House Special Dining Room
Special event: Otelia Cromwell Day Keynote Address "Racism and the
Production of Knowledge," by Pearl Cleage. (See news article and Otelia
Cromwell program.)
1-2 p.m., John M. Greene Hall*
Discussion: "The Power of Numbers." Professor Phil Green will
lead a discussion of how we make a fetish out of numbers, such as IQ and
SAT test scores. (See Otelia Cromwell program.)
2:15-3:15 p.m., McConnell 406*
Panel discussion: "Who Controls Knowledge? What Sankofa Means for the
Academy," with Mwalimu Shujaa and Nah Dove. (See Otelia Cromwell program.)
2:15-3:15 p.m., McConnell 404*
Workshop and discussion: "Reality, Relativity and Subjectivity,"
with Murray Kiteley, Sophia Smith Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and Doreen
Weinberger, associate professor of physics. (See Otelia Cromwell program.)
2:15-3:15 p.m., McConnell B15*
Workshop and discussion: "Black to Brown, Are We Down?" with Kemi
Ilesanmi and Shante Smalls. (See Otelia Cromwell program.)
2:15-3:15 p.m., McConnell B05*
Panel discussion with Yi-ru Chen, SOAR. (See Otelia Cromwell program.)
2:15-3:15 p.m., McConnell 102*
Panel discussion: "Displaying 'Our' Past /Cultural Sensitivity and
Censorship," with Ernest Alleva, Sarah Pritchard, Louis Wilson and
Sharon Wong, moderator. (See Otelia Cromwell program.)
2:15-3:15 p.m., Sabin-Reed 101A*
Discussion: Student debate; Sarah Lazare, moderator. Winners of the Student
Essay Contest will present and debate their ideas on racism and the production
of knowledge. (See Otelia Cromwell program.)
2:15-3:15 p.m., McConnell 103*
Workshop: "The Old 'Meter Hymn' and Other Types of Gospel Performance,"
a singing workshop with Horace Boyer, professor of music theory and African-American
music at the University of Massachusetts. (See Otelia Cromwell program.)
3:30-5:45 p.m. Green Room, Mendenhall CPA*
Performance workshop: "Embodying Differences," with Deborah Lubar,
an actor, writer, teacher and practitioner of energy healing. (See Otelia
Cromwell program.)
3:30-5:45 p.m., Crew House*
Panel discussion: Career development and networking tips from three alumnae
of color. (See news article).
3:30 p.m., Gamut*
Theatre/movement workshop: "Performance and the Transformation of Ideas."
Helen B. Suh explores techniques and structure of Kyogen, a traditional
Japanese theatre form. (See Otelia Cromwell program.)
3:30-5:45 p.m., TV Studio, Mendenhall CPA*
Performance: "Ethnic Man." Teja Arboleda will present a one-man
show addressing the enigma of cultural, racial and ethnic identity. (See
Otelia Cromwell program.)
3:30-5:45 p.m., Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage Hall*
Meeting: Question Quest. Dialogue on questions of belief and unbelief. Contact
Tiffany at ext. 7913 or Elizabeth Carr at ext. 2752.
4-5 p.m., Talbot House*
Meeting: Heads of Organizations. Mandatory for all heads. If you cannot
attend, contact the coordinator of student organizations at ext. 4999.
5 p.m., Stoddard auditorium
Meeting: Smith Debate Society.
5-6 p.m., Seelye Hall 107
Meeting: Keystone presents a place to raise your questions about God, the
meaning of life, Christianity, etc. Questions? Call Laura at ext. 7290.
5-6 p.m., Clark conference room
Meeting: Smith S.L.A.C. (Student/Labor Action Coalition) to talk about labor,
class issues and student/staff relations on campus and beyond. Questions?
Contact Daisy at ext. 4767 or Erin at ext. 5612.
7:30 p.m., Gamut (upper level)
Concert: Buffy Sainte-Marie in Concert. There will be a reception immediately
following in Unity House. (See news article and Otelia Cromwell program.)
7:30-9 p.m., John M. Greene Hall*
Performance: "Rulfo, El Llano En Llamas," with Estela Harretche,
Ellen Kaplan and Acting II. A work-in-progress. (See Otelia Cromwell program.)
8 p.m., TV Studio, Mendenhall CPA*
Conference: Black Alumnae Weekend. See notice for information.
Gallery talk: "Talking Heads: Roman Sculpture from the Miller Collection,"
by Barbara Kellum, associate professor of art.
12:15 p.m., Museum of Art
CAD workshop: Note-Taking. (See 11/11 listing, "Procrastination.")
12:15-1 p.m., Seelye Hall 306
ASL language lunch table
12:15 p.m., Duckett House Special Dining Room
Meeting: Staff Council Community Forum.
1:30-2:30 p.m., Sage auditorium
Meeting: JYA Paris. Informal tea for first- and second-year students interested
in the JYA Paris program, host-ed by seniors who have just returned. Questions?
Call Allison ext. 7410.
4 p.m., Dawes House
Lecture: "DNA Repair Enzymes in Fungi," by Miriam Zolan '76. Part
of the Biological Sciences & Biochemistry 1996p;97 colloquium series.
4 p.m., McConnell Hall B05
Meeting: Smith Science Fiction and Fantasy Society.
4:30-5:30 p.m., Seelye Hall 208
Religious service: Shabbat Eve Service.
5:30 p.m., Dawes House Kosher Kitchen
Community event: Shabbat Eve Dinner. All are welcome. R.S.V.P. to Hillel
at ext. 5074.
6:30 p.m., Dawes House Kosher Kitchen
Film: Go Masters. The relationship between Japan and China over a 30-year
period is observed in this story of a family divided and competing in the
ancient game of "Go." The first co-production between the two
countries, Go Masters has been seen by more Asians than any other Japanese
or Chinese film. Directors: Masahiro Sato, Wang Zhi-min; 1982. Sponsored
by the Motion Picture Committee.
7 and 9 p.m., Wright auditorium*
Performance: "A Story is a Story," by Deborah Lubar, features
relationship between two old women: one an Italian Catholic; the other a
Polish Jew. (See Otelia Cromwell program.)
8 p.m., Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre*
Conference: Black Alumnae Weekend. See notice for information.
Symposium: Cultural Exchanges: Nations, Classes and Genders in the Early
Modern Period. As opposed to the usual academic conference for-mat of paper
presentations, this Five College Renaissance Symposium of-fers a mix of
speakers and interactive workshops, led by distinguished scho-lars in a
variety of Renaissance fields: history, literature, religion, cartography,
etc. Questions and registration, contact Francisco J. Borge, 545-5467.
8 a.m.-7 p.m., Seelye classrooms
Swimming and diving vs. Springfield.
1 p.m., Dalton pool, Ainsworth*
Special event: African and Caribbean food and entertainment. All welcome.
Party to follow in the Mwangi Cultural Center in Lily Hall.
6:30 p.m., Davis ballroom*+
Special event: Five College Asian Students Association invites you to their
second annual Blind Date Dance, "XSTATIC II." Dance to great music
while getting to know the blind date of your dreams. All welcome. Questionnaires
for those who preregister will be available through Smith ASA representatives
Kristin, ext. 6023 and Christina, ext. 7161. Preregistration is $5; $8 at
the door. Deadline is November 13, by noon.
9 p.m.-1 a.m., Davis ballroom*+
Conference: Black Alumnae Weekend. See notice for information.
Religious activity: Quaker (Friends) discussion group. Meeting for worship
begins at 11 a.m. Child care is available.
9:30 a.m., Bass Hall 210*
Religious service: The Chapel welcomes the Black alumnae of Smith College
with a special worship service. Guest preacher will be the Reverend Mittie
Jordan, '75, assistant pastor of St. Luke's (community) United Methodist
Church, Dallas, Texas, and music will be provided by the Genesis Choir and
the famed Howard University Chorale. All are welcome.
11 a.m.-1 p.m., Chapel*
Art Trip: In remembrance of Kristallnact there will be a trip to the Springfield
Fine Arts Museum to view the Holocaust Art Exhibit. Questions? call Lisa
at ext. 4745.
Noon. Meet in front of Chapel
CDO Open Hours
1-4 p.m., CDO, Drew Hall
CDO workshop: How to Find a January Internship.
1:15 p.m., CDO, Drew Hall
Film: Go Masters. (See 11/15 listing.)
2 and 4 p.m., Stoddard Hall auditorium*
CDO workshop: Job Search for Seniors.
2:30 p.m., CDO, Drew Hall
Special event: A Gallery of Readers. Kate Rutherford and Phyllis St. George
will read from their works.
4 p.m., Neilson Browsing Room*
Religious service: Roman Catholic Mass. An informal dinner will follow.
All are welcome.
4:30 p.m., Chapel*
Meeting: Feminists at Smith Unite. Come discuss feminism and how it can
translate into education and activism on campus. Questions? Call Missy at
ext. 7850
7 p.m., Women's Resource Center
Concert: Featuring New York band Vitapop, Penpal and two other bands. Co-sponsored
by WOZQ and the LBA. Admission is $5.
7:30 p.m., Davis Ballroom*+
Concert: Violent Femmes with Cracker. $16, general; $10, Smith students
with ID (2 tickets per I.D.). Tickets available at UMass Fine Arts Center
Box Office, For the Record in Amherst, Northampton Box Office and Ticketmaster.
Sponsored by Rec Council. Doors Open at 7 p.m.
8 p.m., John M. Greene Hall*
By action of the faculty, students are responsible for the observance
of notices and calendar listings appearing in AcaMedia. Members of the Smith
College community are expected to make their announcements through this
publication. Submit calendar items and notices to Mary Stanton, Garrison
Hall. Items for news articles (not calendar listings) should be sent to
Sally Rubenstone, Garrison Hall. (E-mail submissions of notices and news
articles are welcome as well: send to mstanton or srubenstone@ais as appropriate.)
Deadlines
Copy is due by 4 p.m., Wednesday, November 13, for issue #12 (containing
the November 25 to December 8 calendar listings). Copy is due by 4 p.m.,
Wednesday, November 27, for issue #13 (containing the December 9 to January
5 calendar listings). Late information cannot be accepted.
AcaMedia staff
Cathy Brooks, layout
Sally Rubenstone, editor
Mary Stanton, calendar
Five College Calendar Deadline
Entries for the December Five College Calendar must be received in writing
by November 14. Entries received after this deadline will not appear in
the December issue. Please send all entries to Mary Stanton in Garrison
Hall.
Museum of Art, 585-2770. Hours: Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m.
to 4 p.m.; Wednesday and Sunday, Noon to 4 p.m.; Thursday, Noon to 8 p.m.
Print Room hours: Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, 1 to 4
p.m., during exhibitions. Other hours by appointment.
Life Under Glass: Paintings of Lyman Plant House by Louise Minks and Claudia
Zimmerman '91 (November 1 through 16). McConnell foyer, Clark Science Center,
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
French 18th-Century Prints and Drawings from the Collection. (November 5
through December 21). Print Room. Museum of Art
Small Landscapes and Monotypes by Sally Brody '54 (through November). Alumnae
House Gallery, 585-2020. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Sponsored by the Alumnae Association, this conference, "The Spirit
of Possibilities," offers Black alumnae the opportunity to re-connect
with old friends, get to know current students and strengthen their ties
to the college. The events below are free and open to the campus community.
Friday, November 15
4-5:15 p.m. Black alumnae invite students, faculty and staff to join them
for tea in the Alumnae House Living Room.
8 p.m. Alumnae Arts Forum: Artistic alumnae share their stories and performances.
Hosted by Claudia Wilson '87 in the Alumnae House Living Room
Saturday, November 16
3-4 p.m. Campus talk: Conversation with President Simmons. Talk-show style
interview in Hallie Flanagan Theatre. Joyce Davis '78, host.
4-7 p.m. Open house/alumnae photo exhibit at the Mwangi Cultural Center
in Lilly Hall
Sunday, November 17
9-10:30 a.m. Genesis Choir reunion in the Chapel. Open rehearsal for students
and alumnae. Come sing along or just listen and enjoy coffee and doughnuts.
A special worship service will follow at 11 a.m. (See calendar listing.)
Students returning for spring semester 1997 should be sure to submit registration forms to the registrar's office on assigned registration days. Those who are unable to do so have until Friday, November 22, to register. Deadline for Five College registration is also November 22. No Smith or Five College forms will be accepted after this deadline.
Registrations for interterm courses taken for credit are due in the registrar's office by Friday, November 22. Registration instructions are included in the registration packets.
Students interested in being exam workers should sign up in the financial aid office. Students interested in being exam supervisors should sign up in the registrar's office.
The third regular meeting of the faculty for 1996-97 will be held on Wednesday, November 20, at 4:10 p.m. in the Alumnae House. Members of the faculty who have business for the meeting should notify the secretary of the faculty, Scott Bradbury, in writing, no later than Wednesday, November 13. Material to be included in the mailing with the agenda must be camera-ready and submitted to College Hall 27 by Monday, November 11.
Staff Council Activities Committee seeks staff members who support public radio and television. WFCR in Amherst and WGBY in Springfield need volunteers to answer phones and record pledges during their fund drives. WFCR pledge drive is November 13-24; WGBY membership drive is November 24-December 16. Staff who volunteer to answer phones for WGBY will receive a Smith t-shirt to be worn on camera and transportation to Springfield. If you are interested in either project, contact Cindy Rucci at ext. 2923 or crucci@smith as soon as possible. The date of your appearance will be determined after volunteers compare their schedules.
Gold Key members provide campus tours for the Office of Admission, serve as overnight hosts to prospective students and help at other admissions events. To learn about joining, come to an informational meeting on Wednesday, November 20, at 7 p.m., in Wright Hall Common Room or Wednesday, January 29, at 7 p.m., in Neilson Browsing Room. Gold Key interviews will be held the first week of February. Questions? Call Linda Fu at ext. 6085.
The Mellon Fellowships for graduate study are funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The fellowships are for the first year of graduate school and are intended to help exceptionally promising students prepare for careers in teaching and scholarship in humanistic studies. Application request deadline is December 9. GRE test must be taken by December 7. For more information, see department chairs or inquire at the senior class dean's office, College Hall 23.
Members of the Smith College community should not schedule events during the pre-examination study period (Friday, December 13-Sunday, December 15) and formal examination period (Monday, December 16-Thursday, December 19). No events during this time will be announced in AcaMedia.
Faculty teaching evaluations will be administered December 2-5 in Wright
Hall auditorium foyer. Students are advised to check their campus mailboxes
for faculty teaching evaluation information during the week of November
18. Students are required to complete these evaluations. There is a fine
of $25 by the SGA for unexcused noncompliance. Students are asked to enter
data according to the schedule below. If you are off-campus on your assigned
day, please complete your evaluations on another scheduled day. Evaluations
cannot be completed after the last scheduled day. Questions? Contact the
Office of the Dean of the College at ext. 4900.
Class of 2000J, '00, (first-year students), Monday, December 2; class of
1999J, '99 (sophomores) and Ada Comstock Scholars, Tuesday, December 3;
class of 1998J, '98 (juniors) and Ada Comstock Scholars, Wednesday, December
4; class of 1997J, '97 (seniors), Thursday, December 5. Hours each day are
9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The offices of the class deans and international study (College Hall 23), student affairs and minority affairs (College Hall 24) and the registrar (College Hall 6) are now open for walk-in business at 9 a.m., Monday-Friday. Telephones will continue to be covered from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Representatives from Hewlett Packard, Apple, Dell, Adobe, Macromedia, Symantec and more will be showing the latest technology and answering questions on Thursday, November 7, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in Neilson Browsing Room. Sponsored by the Computer Store.
221b: Written statements now being accepted for admission to AMS221b:
Colloquium: New Age America: The Role of Mysticism in Secular Culture, taught
by Brett Averitt. Enrollment limit: 20. Deliver statements to the American
studies office, Wright Hall 12, by Friday, November 22. A sign-up sheet
will be posted in Wright 12; candidates should sign up for the course at
that time, as well as with the registrar. Names will be taken from this
list only. Names of those admitted to the course will be posted on the office
door by Friday, December 6.
302b: Written statements now being accepted for admission to AMS302b: Seminar:
The Material Culture of New England, 1630-1860, taught in Historic Deerfield
by Kenneth Hafertepe. Enrollment limit: 12. Follow registration instructions
for AMS221b, above.
351b: Writing samples now being accepted for admission to AMS351b: Writing
about American Society, taught by Richard Todd. Students this year will
be asked to write on the theme of social class in America. As always, direct
observation and experience will be crucial. Enrollment limit: 12. Follow
registration instructions for AMS221b, above.
The Smith College AIDS Education Committee is again soliciting creative efforts from students, faculty and staff. Projects might include, but are not limited to, educational programs and workshops, plays or vignettes, posters, exhibits, displays and pamphlets. Accuracy of information, creativity and "doability" are important. Projects must enhance education and/or awareness of HIV/AIDS. Applications may be obtained from your house health peer or Andy O'Brien in Health Services at ext. 2806. For more information, call Connie Peterson at ext. 2824.
Students remaining on campus during Thanksgiving Break may sign up to join local Smith alumnae for Thanksgiving dinner. Those interested will be paired up and placed in contact with their hostess. To sign up, please call Cynthia Allen '83 at 413-665-8547 by November 15.
The Grécourt Bookshop is collecting gifts for the Toys for Tots Foundation. Please bring in new toys and drop them in our container prior to November 29. Please do not gift wrap toys. Thanks for your support.
Come on a January Winter Adventure. Information meetings are November 14, at 5 or 7 p.m., in Clark Hall conference room. Enjoy cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, sledding, hiking, etc., and experience the outdoors in winter, January 16-22. No experience necessary. Forms, available outside College Hall 22, are due December 6. Cost: approximately $150-$175. Questions? Call Merry Farnum at ext. 4904.
AcaMedia staff: Sally Rubenstone, Cathy Brooks, Mary Stanton