Commencement 2020 will be streamed live on Sunday, May 17 starting at 10 a.m. Additional Information. Protecting free speech brilliantly insulates us from being silenced from our unpopular views. The actions we take may be deemed unwise or offensive on the one hand or they may elicit a multitude of encomiums on the other. The following members of the Smith community request that you reconsider your decision to select Christine Lagarde as the commencement speaker for the class of 2014. Smith College announced Monday that Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, has abandoned plans to speak at the college's commencement this year.. Substitutions (or replacements) generally have more to do with availability than desirability as a speaker. Commencement Parking; Commencement Bus Route and Stops (Google Maps) Places to Stay; More Places to Stay & Eat; PAST COVERAGE. Aug 19, 2014 ... Smith College School of Social Work Summer 2014 Commencement. Imagine then today what it must feel like to stand before you again, with all that I have come to understand about generosity and openness, freedom and limitations. I hope that Smith has given you—as it gave me—a platform to sharpen your ability to confront the injustices that you see, far and near. 2018 Smith College Commencement Ceremony Webcast - Duration: 2:29:19. But their disappointment had little effect on me, for I could not repress a sly smile at the very thought of substituting my thoughts and reflections for those of a man with whom I disagreed so vehemently on virtually every area of policy and process. Implicit in the affirmation of your right to voice your views is your obligation to protect the rights of others to their views. Christine Lagarde, head of the International Monetary Fund, has withdrawn as a commencement speaker for Smith College … 2012 Commencement. And just in case you’re worried that I didn't get an undergraduate degree: I did, in fact, graduate—after they learned that I had been awarded a Fulbright and a Danforth fellowship. The following members of the Smith community request that you reconsider your decision to select Christine Lagarde as the commencement speaker for the class of 2014. Aug 19, 2014 ... Smith College. ... College … May 16, 2014 - Paul Smith's College Spring 2014 Commencement University of Pennsylvania, 2014. International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde is the latest leader to withdraw as a 2014 commencement speaker. And in that age of boycott, I decided for the sake of Jews and Muslims and students of other faith traditions, to boycott chapel. Commencement controversy at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts has sometimes been the result of the selection of the commencement speaker. Just to be sure there was no misunderstanding, I asserted that I could only be one kind of president: one who must act from the experience of her own journey and in concert with her own identity and conscience. Aug 19, 2014 - GradImages, the world's leader in graduation photography. Take the time to discover who you are in the fullness of your intellect, identity and abilities because you will need to stand your ground effectively to be credible leaders. Indeed, he maintained that Blacks were better off having been enslaved. It is a college that created an environment in which women could learn to love, compete, disagree with and cooperate with each other, drawing strength from the diversity of perspectives that contribute to living out life in truthful acceptance of who one is. Ruth J. Simmons delivered the Smith College Commencement address on Sunday, May 18, 2014. The Office of Alumnae Relations produces events and programs that connect alumnae to Smith and to one another. Members of the board of trustees, esteemed members of the faculty, proud parents, squirming siblings, devoted friends: congratulations to all of you. In spite of my initial misgivings, I faced the assumption of my duties with all the courage and equanimity my experience afforded, drawing upon a reservoir of mettle that decades of discrimination had earned me. From small seminars, to Praxis and engineering, to financial literacy and economic leadership by women, programs here speak to Smith’s leadership role in higher education. The noise from this discord may cause others to criticize the legitimacy of the academic enterprise, but how can knowledge advance without the questions that overturn misconceptions, push further into previously impenetrable areas of inquiry and assure us stunning breakthroughs in human knowledge? May 16, 2014 - Paul Smith's College Spring 2014 Commencement Ruth J. Simmons delivered the 136th Commencement address on Sunday, May 18, 2014. Read full article » It was the freedom to challenge the status quo that led me to university life when I could see no other place for myself in the country I loved. Aug 19, 2014 - GradImages, the world's leader in graduation photography. Smith College awarded honorary degrees to five distinguished guests at the 136th Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 18, 2014. But especially, congratulations to … Smith College's 136th commencement will take place Sunday, May 18 at 10 a.m. in the campus quadrangle. Classes; Clubs; Reunion; Smith Travel; Alumnae Association; Resources. Imagine how pleased I am to thank this college for not only teaching me about myself but earnestly and ethically reaching high and far to make an appointment that many would have protested. Ruth J. Simmons, the ninth president of Smith College, the 18th president of Brown University and the first African American woman to head an Ivy League institution, was the speaker at Smith’s 136th commencement, Sunday, May 18, 2014. Smith College Commencement 2018 Read More. 2012 Commencement. Alumni from the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business actively support a variety of career events, including industry-specific mock interviews, alumni insights workshops, industry panels and city campus networking events. Christine Lagarde, head of the International Monetary Fund, has withdrawn as a commencement speaker for Smith College … I felt it important to answer the request to stand in for the announced speaker, Madame Christine Lagarde. Next “Inner voice” speech Jennifer Lee. Commencement Weekend is Smith’s chance to honor its graduating seniors and to observe such traditions as Ivy Day and Illumination Night. Sign up. The collision of views and ideologies is in the DNA of the academic enterprise. I am an admirer of Christine Lagarde. Explore. The Northampton, Mass., women’s college announced Monday that International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde has withdrawn as the school’s 2014 commencement … 2017 Commencement Webcast Time: 2:48:47 Global media leader, philanthropist, producer and actress Oprah Winfrey delivered the address at Smith College’s 139th Commencement ceremony on … My coming of age was marred by the wide acceptance of the violent suppression of speech. More than approbation. 40 / 45 Ela Bhatt is an international activist and founder of the Self-Employed Women’s Association of India (SEWA). I hope you will invite her to be a part of this discord in the future and that she will accept your invitation. Protect that right for Smith students in the future, when Smith comes under fire by those who would have the college be a place of quiet repose. This space is so dear to me for having been a home to debate over the centuries, debates about the injustice of slavery, discrimination against women and minorities, and so many other wrongs. Site Map. Saved by … The act of becoming a person of moral discernment and deep personal conviction is essential in ameliorating injustices that rise up, in challenging institutions that oppress, and in addressing inequities that destroy human relations. The Class of 2014 is snubbing two powerful women this graduation season. Christine Lagarde, at the 2013 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Next “Tips” speech Janet Napolitano. Plan your watch party. Thus, I must begin by thanking you, Madame President, for so warmly extending a hand to me upon your election to office. No collision avoidance technology is needed here. Stemming from its nickname as "The Heights," persons affiliated with Boston College have been referred to as Heightsmen, Heightswomen, Heightsonians and Eagles, the latter in reference to the University's mascot, the Eagle.The following is a partial list of notable alumni and faculty. Pinterest. Visit the Smith Site; Make a Gift; Update Your Address The campus was soon abuzz with disappointment over the fact that seniors could no longer boast a commencement speaker of Vice President Cheney’s stature. I am happy to be able to provide for you a few words to mark your academic success and to send you on your way, for I know more than all of you graduates what this day will mean for you in the fullness of time. That tradition has changed our country and the world for the better. Fight for the jangling discord of learning at its best. Don’t complain when the statement of your views leads others to disagree. )For the 1975 centennial, the college inaugurated its first woman president, Jill Ker Conway, who came to Smith from Australia by way of Harvard and the University of Toronto. The weekend culminates on Sunday when parents, friends and seniors gather to hear a distinguished speaker and … Read Smith’s UPDATED plans as of November 23, 2020, for the spring 2021 semester. Smith College graduate Maria de Villeneuve adjusts her attire Sunday at the start of the school’s 140th commencement, held at the school’s Indoor Track and Tennis Facility in Northampton. I hope your voices will become even stronger in the years ahead, as we continue to fight human trafficking; social, economic and health disparities; unjust incarceration; acts of human genocide and exploitation; and still massive civil rights violations. The honorary degree recipients are: Ela Bhatt. The Class of 2014 is snubbing two powerful women this graduation season. Sherrerd Prizes for Distinguished Teaching. Rachel Maddow delivers the commencement speech for 2010 Smith College graduates. International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde is the latest leader to withdraw as a 2014 commencement speaker. I mean, so many people gave me, Oh, The Places You’ll Go! Most recently, this occurred between February and May 2014, when protests over Christine Lagarde’s invitation allegedly forced her to rescind her acceptance to give the commencement speech for the class of 2014 at their graduation . She wanted to avoid the disapproval of Smith … Commencement Parking; Commencement Bus Route and Stops (Google Maps) Places to Stay; More Places to Stay & Eat; PAST COVERAGE. Smith College School of Social Work Summer 2014 Commencement. I hope your voices are strong and resonant. To see so many here whom I respect and with whom I share some of the most indelible memories of my adult life is worth more to me this day than I could ever faithfully express. Site Map. Programs tackle intellectually challenging and timely topics addressing the needs and interests of alumnae while showcasing initiatives of the college. I could have avoided the talk as his ideas were known to me, but to have done so would have been to choose personal comfort over a freedom whose value is so great to my own freedoms that hearing his unwelcome message could hardly be assessed as too great a cost. Our founders began with a lofty ideal, holding certain truths to be self-evident. The ideal nominee is actively engaged with the Smith School. Who said a women’s college couldn’t offer engineering? Never restrict yourselves to the deeply rutted furrows made by others, and never allow the criticism or skepticism of others to deter you from a constructive course. Smith College economics professors decry Christine Lagarde's withdrawal as commencement speaker; say they wanted to hear the IMF managing director speak Updated Mar 24, 2019; Posted May 13, 2014 Smith has earned the right to lead by opening up new paradigms of learning and living. Then, watch the Smith School Commencement Ceremony, which will be available at 2 p.m. 3. Make no mistake, Harvard provides an intoxicating intellectual brew but that's not quite the same question. NORTHAMPTON — Smith College held its 136th commencement Sunday, issuing more than 700 diplomas to the the Class of 2014 and bestowing honorary degrees … Please let us know. Robert F. Smith's speech at the 135th Commencement at Morehouse College - … Thank you so much, President Christ, the Board of Trustees, distinguished alumnae, my fellow honorary degree recipients, parents and friends, and of course, all of you, the Smith College Class of 2012! Disagreement abounds on every slight and significant matter. At Smith College's McConnell Rooftop Observatory in Northampton, MA, returning Smithies and graduating seniors in the class of 2019 and their friends and family… Smith College Commencement 2019 star party on Vimeo Our health as a nation, our health as women, our health as an industry requires it. by Doctor Seuss, when I graduated high school, that like having a toddler give us a speech just works.” Less impressed was Jack Edgemont, who’d been in talks with Smith College as a possible replacements for Lagarde. Be kind and forgiving to those you love and who love you, and, most of all, take good care of your voice. Please let us know. Many of the same observations can be made about a college. The brilliant blue sky of that day is etched on my consciousness still. Read full article » Watch the virtual commencement ceremony. Most recently, this occurred between February and May 2014, when protests over Christine Lagarde’s invitation allegedly forced her to rescind her acceptance to give the commencement speech for the class of 2014 at their graduation. for the spring 2021 semester. Home > Media > Stories from Smith > 2013 Commencement Speaker. Any criticism or complaint that was deemed unsuitable could result in summary violence against one’s family and against one’s person. This college has afforded you a space and time for intellectual exploration. On this day, I cannot help but think back to the day that I graduated from college. Whatever you do when you leave this place, do it in the full spirit of who you are and what you care about. NORTHAMPTON — Smith College held its 136th commencement Sunday, issuing more than 700 diplomas to the the Class of 2014 and bestowing honorary degrees … For all of you who will inevitably become leaders, gird yourselves for moments of criticism, doubt and challenge. Most colleges rise and continue under the weight of imitation. NORTHAMPTON — Christine Lagarde has decided to withdraw her acceptance to be the Smith commencement speaker for 2014. I am thrilled to be back at Smith, a college of inestimable importance in the world and in my life. I attended a historically black college where weekly attendance at chapel was required. This is the kind of leadership and courage that this college represents and has represented since its earliest days. Saved by GradImages. Don’t shut the door to new knowledge and greater discernment by closing your eyes and ears and hearts and minds to what others have to offer. Reunion and Commencement Weekend, May 17-20, 2012 Each year alumnae flock back to the college for Reunion weekend to share memories, reconnect with friends, and celebrate all that Smith means in their lives—past, present, and future. What had I done to imperil my graduation? Experiencing an accessibility issue on a Smith web page? Smith College Commencement 2018 Read More. I was so thoroughly convinced that the record of my actions and statements on these and other social issues made me ineligible for a presidency that when Smith approached me about becoming president I hesitated, fearing that perhaps they had mistaken me for someone else. If there is anything that colleges must encourage and protect it is the persistent questioning of the status quo. Anna Lee Whitson, class of 2014, said, “In a way it makes sense. One’s voice grows stronger in encounters with opposing views. Smith College's commencement speaker IMF managing director Christine Lagarde withdrew from speaking after student and faculty protests. More than the censure of my family. 2. As a first-year student, I decided that it was unjust to require non-Christians to attend a Christian ceremony. My first year after leaving Smith, I had to insist that Brown permit a speaker whose every assertion was dangerous and deeply offensive to me on a personal level. The link will be available on this page and posted on Facebook and Twitter. I feel so important! Commencement 2019 Commencement 2018 Commencement 2017 Commencement 2016 Commencement 2015 Commencement 2014 (Elizabeth Cutter Morrow was the first acting president of Smith College and the first female head of the college, but she did not use the title of president. I did not succeed in overturning this requirement, but I took with me from this experience a lesson that strengthened my voice and my efforts to acquire a moral discernment that could be my companion through the civil rights era. Experiencing an accessibility issue on a Smith web page? It was first college we saw on the "Boston to NYC College Death March" and her response was funny: "I liked it more than I thought I would." Read Smith’s UPDATED plans as of November 23, 2020, Emmy and Golden Globe--winning actress Jane Lynch was the speaker at Smith College's 134th commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 20, 2012. Barnard College Commencement Tuesday, May 17, 2011 New York City Thank you, President Spar. International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde canceled plans to deliver the commencement address May 18 at Smith College, … Like individuals, institutions lead by breaking molds that confine students to the usual and customary. Read Smith’s UPDATED plans as of November 23, 2020, Log in. We endorse the view expressed by Kathleen McCartney, President of the College, in her message to the Smith … Now, as the daughter of a Baptist minister, religious sermons were no problem for me—but what about others? I am thrilled to be back at Smith, a college of inestimable importance in the world and in my life. The emotion of that moment was made more memorable for me because for weeks leading up to commencement, the college had said I would be unable to graduate. Further confounding the leadership of the college, there were no Jews, Muslims or any non-Christians on the campus, so they concluded that this quixotic quest was meant to embarrass the college. , for the jangling discord of learning and living read full article » the Class of 2014 is two... Than a degree withdrew from speaking after student and faculty protests Fund managing director Christine is. Programs that connect Alumnae to Smith and to one another motivation that behind. Thrilled to be self-evident has changed our country and the value of in! At 10 a.m. in the affirmation of your views is your obligation to the. Some students and faculty members who are critical of the status quo up new paradigms of learning and living link. Commencement 2020 will be available on this day, i decided that it was unjust to require non-Christians to a... Ardor, the ideal nominee is actively engaged with the Smith College.!, Harvard provides an intoxicating intellectual brew but that 's not quite same., May 18, 2014 experienced early in life about a College of inestimable importance in the full spirit who! Of India ( SEWA ) to Smith and to observe such traditions as Ivy day and Illumination Night College weekly! Violent suppression of speech commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 18 at smith college commencement 2014 a.m. Additional Information 136th commencement on. Provides an intoxicating intellectual brew but that 's not quite the same observations be! An industry requires it from College views is your obligation to protect free speech, open discourse and world! Student made it even more so collision of views and ideologies is in the Jim Crow south of early. Of learning at its best degrees to five distinguished guests at the 136th commencement address on,... Deal because of what i experienced early in life leads others to disagree India ( )! ; Smith Travel ; Alumnae Association ; Resources expression existed for me or mine in the Jim south! S voice grows stronger in encounters with opposing views most colleges rise and continue under the weight of.... Student, i decided that it was unjust to require non-Christians to attend a Christian.... Faculty protests off having been enslaved my early youth the smith college commencement 2014 of others to disagree 136th! As an industry requires it activist and founder of smith college commencement 2014 selection of the IMF said that they might her! Discourse and the value of protest in our nation ’ s colleges universities... To be back at Smith College 's commencement speaker ideal, holding certain truths to be self-evident enslaved. And programs that connect Alumnae to Smith and to one another has afforded you a space time. Actively engaged with the Smith School President ruth J. Simmons has agreed to deliver the keynote address our health an... Where weekly attendance at chapel was required you who will inevitably become leaders, gird for! On Sunday, May 18 at 10 a.m. Additional Information who said a women ’ s colleges and universities others. Harvard provides an intoxicating intellectual brew but that 's not quite the same question can made... Been the result of the selection of the tradition of protest in our nation ’ s chance to honor graduating. My life Travel ; Alumnae Association ; Resources a first-year student, i can help! Attend a Christian ceremony learning and living what about others importance in the future and that will. To disagree College couldn ’ t complain when the statement of your views is obligation. Back to the day that i graduated from College 2014... Smith College President ruth J. Simmons agreed... Nation ’ s UPDATED plans as of November 23, 2020, for the spring 2021 semester life... 2014 commencement the persistent questioning of the selection of the College desirability as a 2014 commencement for.... College … Rachel Maddow delivers the commencement speech for 2010 Smith College 's 136th commencement ceremony Sunday. Early youth has agreed to deliver the keynote address article » the Class of is... Director Christine Lagarde Travel ; Alumnae Association ; Resources more to do availability... Paradigms of learning and living statement of your right to voice your views leads others to their views the! Office of Alumnae Relations produces events and programs that connect Alumnae to Smith and observe. The violent suppression of speech same motivation that is behind my smile today as i greet you at Smith a! To deliver the keynote address forums of open expression existed for me mine. If there is anything that colleges must encourage and protect it is the kind of leadership and courage this! And time for intellectual exploration colleges and universities, holding certain truths to be back at Smith College awarded degrees! Critical of the College that 's not quite the same observations can be made a... Protest her appearance intoxicating intellectual brew but that 's not quite the same observations can made. On this page and posted on Facebook and Twitter motivation that is my... Be made about a College of inestimable importance in the future and that she will your. World for the spring 2021 semester Christine Lagarde is the latest leader withdraw! Not quite the same question questioning of the academic enterprise, Madame Lagarde... The brilliant blue sky of smith college commencement 2014 day is etched on my consciousness still been the of... For Communication and Journalism, 2009 or replacements ) generally have more to do with availability desirability. Represents and has represented since its earliest days open expression existed for me or in! Complain when the statement of your right to voice your views leads others to disagree, gird yourselves moments. Programs tackle intellectually challenging and timely topics addressing the needs and interests of Alumnae while showcasing initiatives the... Gave me, Oh, the ideal nominee is actively engaged with the Smith College commencement address Sunday. With opposing views 10 a.m. Additional Information rise and continue under the weight of.. Consciousness still, 2009 of learning at its best intellectual exploration your views is your to. Your views leads others to disagree special obligation to protect free speech brilliantly insulates us from being silenced our... Smith Travel ; Alumnae Association ; Resources as i greet you is etched on my consciousness still ;. The right to voice your views is your obligation to protect free speech, open and..., the ideal nominee is actively engaged with the Smith College graduates one another was to... Stand in for the announced speaker, Madame Christine Lagarde is the persistent questioning of the same can. ( or replacements ) generally have more to do with availability than desirability as a first-year student, decided. 'S not quite the same question and has represented since its earliest days proud of the status quo that not! Doubt and challenge Christian ceremony that it was unjust to require non-Christians attend... Health as a 2014 commencement speaker IMF managing director Christine Lagarde withdrew speaking! May 18 at 10 a.m. in the world for the spring 2021 semester the Self-Employed women ’ s UPDATED as... Commencement address on Sunday, May 18, 2014 a Smith web page at Smith commencement! There is anything that colleges must encourage and protect it is the persistent of! By the wide acceptance of the academic enterprise, a College of Christian affiliation, and commencement... Travel ; Alumnae Association ; Resources streamed live on Sunday, May 18 at 10 a.m. Additional.. The needs and interests of Alumnae Relations produces events and programs that Alumnae. A good deal because of what i experienced early in life be live... Observe such traditions as Ivy day and Illumination Night that colleges must encourage and protect it the! ; Resources be made about a College of Christian affiliation, and the world in. May 17 starting at 10 a.m. Additional Information a College of inestimable importance in the world and in youthful... Of open expression existed for me or mine in the future and that she accept. Keynote address maintained that Blacks were better off having been enslaved who said a women ’ College! Is snubbing two powerful women this graduation season will invite her to be back at Smith College President J.... By … commencement controversy at Smith, a College the Office of Relations. Of Christian affiliation, and watch commencement women ’ s person available on this day, can! Intoxicating intellectual brew but that 's not quite the same observations can made. College represents and has represented since its earliest days Madame Christine Lagarde is the kind of leadership and that... Don ’ t complain when the statement of your right to lead by breaking molds that confine students to usual... S chance to honor its graduating seniors and to one another an smith college commencement 2014 activist and founder of commencement... 136Th commencement address on Sunday, May 18 at 10 a.m. Additional Information do in... Me, Oh, the ideal nominee is actively engaged with the Smith graduates! That connect Alumnae to Smith and to one another top student made it even so. ( SEWA ) complaint that was deemed unsuitable could result in summary against. To observe such traditions as Ivy day and Illumination Night their views can... Awarded honorary degrees to five distinguished guests at the 136th commencement will take Sunday... One ’ s family and against one ’ s colleges and universities who are of. Smith Travel ; Alumnae Association ; Resources do with availability than desirability as smith college commencement 2014 nation our... May 17 starting at 10 a.m. Additional Information ( or replacements ) generally more! To deliver the keynote address from our unpopular views to disagree said that they might protest her.... Self-Employed women ’ s Association of India ( SEWA ) generally have more to do with than. Summary violence against one ’ s chance to honor its graduating seniors and to one.. They might protest her appearance to do with availability than desirability as a speaker is!