Deborah Archer ’93, a professor at New York University School of Law specializing in civil rights and racial justice, has been named president of the American Civil Liberties Union, becoming the first Black person to lead the organization in its 101-year history. In a statement, Archer said, "The ACLU has proven itself as an invaluable voice in the fight for civil rights in the last four years of the Trump era, and we are better positioned than ever to face the work ahead."

Gina McCarthy, President Joe Biden’s national climate advisor, will deliver a Presidential Colloquium titled “Climate Change and Social Justice: Strategies for Meaningful Progress“ on Tuesday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m. Eastern. This virtual event is open to the public at no charge.

Elsewhere was conceived to continue the goals of the CEEDS initiative Arts Afield during the pandemic. Smith alumnae, students, faculty and staff were invited to contribute visual and written works that reflected their personal connections to the natural world. A new online exhibition showcases a range of place-based art, from photographs to paintings to poetry.

This year's virtual Rally Day celebration will be streamed live on Smith College's Facebook page on Thursday, Feb. 18, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Eastern. President Kathleen McCartney will award the Smith Medal to four accomplished alums: Anne Gershon ’60, infectious disease specialist; Claire Chino ’88, business leader; Clare Coleman ’92, reproductive health leader; and Kimberly Drew ’12 (pictured), writer, curator and art activist.

President Kathleen McCartney announced recently that the new north and south wings of the renovated Neilson Library will be named for presidents emeritae Mary Maples Dunn, who died in 2017, and Ruth J. Simmons, who is currently serving as the president of Prairie View A&M University. "It is fitting that the wings will carry the names of two Smith presidents whose legacies embody the spirit of academic innovation and forward thinking that Neilson Library represents," McCartney wrote in a message to the Smith community.

President Kathleen McCartney, chair of the Committee for Honorary Degrees, invites nominations of individuals of distinction for honorary doctoral degrees. Learn more about the award, view a list of recipients, and nominate an outstanding individual.

This month, your gift of any size to The Smith Fund will be particularly powerful. Current and emeriti trustees will match all donations made to The Smith Fund in February, dollar-for-dollar, up to $700,000. We’re seeking 2,021 gifts by Feb. 28 in honor of the class of 2021. Give today and help us activate the ambition inside every student.

Smith NewsTracker

Selected items from the news media featuring Smith College people and programs

Climate scientist Prof. Alex Barron named senior counselor in White House regulatory review office

Prof. John Connolly: No false equivalence

Prof. Andrew Zimbalist: Will the Olympics be postponed (again)?

Prof. Carrie Baker: The time has come for the ERA to become part of the Constitution

Prof. Steven Heydemann: Biden’s Iran envoy will complicate his Syria approach

Anu Aiyengar ’91: Shaping the Future of JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Katie Fleischer ’21: Sophia Yen on the explosion of telehealth and the future of birth control

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