If you have questions about any of these programs, please contact smithclubmaine@gmail.com and we’ll connect you to the appropriate person.
Yearly Programs: The Club strives to plan at least four programs a year including a January Tea, a Faculty Speaker, an in-person version of the Global Tea in the Cloud, and an educational outing, such as a tour of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
Admissions: The Club generates interest in Smith College in a number of ways: we interview prospective students, answer questions, attend college fairs and present book awards at high schools throughout the state. Your help as Admissions volunteers throughout the state is very important. We want to keep a strong Maine representation on campus, and much of that happens though you, the alumnae. Older alums have wonderful history to share; younger ones have recent knowledge and experience to offer. Please let us know if you are interested in learning how you can contribute to our Maine admissions efforts.
Booksmiths: We meet approximately every six weeks in Portland (or virtually during the time of Coronavirus) on a weekday evening at 7:30pm. The discussions are open to all Smithies, even if you haven’t read the book. If you’d like to be added to the email list, please contact us at the email address above. If someone wants to start a book group in another area, we can provide you with names of those who live nearby.
Book Awards Program: The Smith Book Award is presented each spring to outstanding high school juniors across Maine who have been chosen by their guidance counselors. Most recently, Jill Ker Conway’s A Woman’s Education has been given. Each book comes with a Smith College bookplate. A few schools request that a Smith alum present the award at their academic award assembly. Recipients are encouraged to apply for admission, and the award helps keep the Smith name alive in the school guidance offices. In recent years, almost 40 high schools participate in the program. The books are supplied by the Smith Admissions Office.
The Club board is interested in continuing the program because, in addition to recognizing the achievements of outstanding students, this program raises awareness of Smith. To do this, we need your contributions to help cover the cost of the book mailings, about $150 per year. To send a donation or for other questions, please contact the Club and we’ll put you in touch with our coordinator.
Pecan Sales for Scholarships: Like many Smith Clubs around the country, our Club has a dedicated organizer of this great program that comes around just in time for winter holidays. One pound bags of new crop nuts or gift-packaged chocolate-coated nuts practically sell themselves. Proceeds from sales go toward a scholarship for a Maine student each year. Contact the Club if you want more information on buying or selling these fine products.