This fall, 2,446 students are back on campus for a semester that features in-person learning for the first time since March 2020. Numerous pandemic safety measures are in place, including masking and regular asymptomatic testing. Here’s what some students had to say about the new semester and what life at Smith is like now.

In the September 13 issue of New York, Smith English professor Ruth Ozeki ’80 discusses her latest novel, The Book of Form and Emptiness. It tells the story of Benny, a teenager whose father has recently died and who begins to hear the voices of all the material items around him.

Eric Weld—project and publicity administrator for the Kahn Liberal Arts Institute and self-proclaimed "aging adventurist"—recounts his adventure biking across the country. He writes, “What I learned from my cross-country bike trip could fill volumes .... But much of what I take away is internal and difficult to express in words.”

Teacher Lisa Daniels ’12 considers the many ways the pandemic has revealed problems in American education, calling on fellow Smithies to take action. “The time for change is now," she writes. "Since I and many other Smith siblings have not been invited to sit at tables of power, I ask those of you who do have power to shift the parameters of high society to be as radically inclusive as possible.”

In her book A Lesser Mortal: The Unexpected Life of Sarah B. Cochran, author Kimberly Hess ’96 uncovers the life of a little-known but highly influential coal magnate of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Hess writes, “While there was not a clear place for Sarah in an industry that was still male dominated, she didn’t leave it. Newspapers reported that she continued to transact business until she was in her seventies.”

President Kathleen McCartney, chair of the Committee for Honorary Degrees, invites nominations of individuals of distinction for honorary doctoral degrees. To learn more about the award, view a list pf past recipients and nominate an outstanding individual go to the Submit Nominations for Commencement Speakers and Honorary Degrees page of the Smith website.

Smith NewsTracker

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

Prof. Carrie Baker: HHS will protect Texas abortion patients and providers

Prof. Andrew Zimbalist: Who are the highest paid workers in the U.S. ? Some of them are college coaches

Asli Ali ‘22: With our climate in crisis, preparing for an uncertain future is daunting

Prof. Loretta Ross: How to hold each other accountable—with love

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