Emeriti & Retired Faculty

Faculty emeriti/ae and retired faculty are valuable and appreciated members of the College community. They continue to actively contribute to the intellectual and social life of the college through their scholarship and publications, contact with students and alums, and their collegial relations with both current and retired faculty members.

Smith offers a comprehensive package of benefits to emeriti faculty, which are described in detail below. In addition, the interests and needs of retired faculty members are represented by the Emeriti/ae Advisory Committee (EAC), which is chaired by the Associate Dean of the Faculty and meets monthly during the academic year (a list of the current members is also below). Further, all retired faculty and their partners are automatically made members of OBND (“Out but not Down”), which sponsors luncheons during the course of the year that feature speakers from the current faculty and administration.

Another way in which community is furthered is through the lectures and teas sponsored each semester by the EAC. These generally take place in the comfort of the recently renovated Tilly Lounge. Tilly Hall (on Henshaw Avenue, near the Kahn Institute and accessible with OneCard) also has a small number of shared faculty offices for those with particular needs, and the Hall offers study space and book lockers for the use of all emeriti/ae. In these and many other ways, the lively and supportive community that is Smith College continues into retirement years.

Emeriti Advisory Committee (EAC)

The Emeriti Advisory Committee provides a direct means of communication between emeriti faculty and the administration. The committee meets monthly during the academic year; serves as a forum for emeriti faculty ideas and concerns; makes recommendations about policy changes relevant to emeriti faculty; and provides advice to the president, provost and planning committees about issues relevant to emeriti faculty. In planning for retirement, faculty members often have questions about their opportunities and choices for shaping the next phase of their intellectual careers. The advisory committee can assist with information and guidance.

Committee Members 2024–25

Nancy Mason Bradbury, Professor Emerita of English Language & Literature
Barbara Brehm-Curtis, Professor of Exercise and Sport Studies
Marjorie Senechal, Louise Wolff Kahn Professor Emerita in Mathematics and History of Science & Technology
Janie Vanpée, Professor Emerita of French Studies
Hélène Visentin, Chair, Associate Dean of the Faculty/Dean for Academic Development
Steven Williams, Gates Professor of Biology

The Magical, Mystical Power of Music by Peter Contuzzi
Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 3-5 p.m., Alumnae House Living Room

How can we explain the power of music, marveling at its central role in human culture all over the planet and across time? Some true stories from a wandering fiddler in rural Kenya offer us insights. In one, a tense shouting argument between two African tribal women at a village market, surrounded by apprehensive onlookers, is gradually transformed into a festive dance party by rhythmic Appalachian folk tunes. Another involves a challenging struggle to play music with African folk musicians despite not having any words or musical styles in common. In still another, Masai warriors who had never seen a violin or heard classical music before react with deep appreciation for the music of Johann Sebastian Bach.

Peter Contuzzi, aka the husband of Professor Emerita Giovanna Bellesia, spent years traveling the world as a young man, a violin his only companion. He studied at the Conservatorio di Musica in Florence, Italy, graduated from Harvard Law School in 1973 and retired in 2015 from a career as a mediator and arbitrator of complex civil litigation.

Tilly Holiday Party (With a Cake!)
Wednesday, December 11, 3-5:30 p.m., Tilly Lounge

Out But Not Down (OBND)

Throughout the academic year, the Out But Not Down group generally meets monthly and enjoys a series of speakers and lunches. Membership is automatic. A letter is sent to recent retirees and new members are introduced at the group’s October meeting. Members also gather for an end-of-the-year dinner in May. There is no charge for membership or meals, and spouses or partners are welcome to accompany emeriti.

Officers 2024–25

President: Dennis Yasutomo
Vice-President: Scott Bradbury
Secretary: Patricia Sweetser
Treasurer: Charles Johnson

During the 2024—25 academic year, the meetings will be held in person at the Alumanae House Conference Hall monthly from 11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Members of OBND will receive announcements, with an invitation to RSVP, by email.

Date	Speaker/Topic
Thursday, September 26, 2024	“The Living Collections in the Digital Age,” presented by John Berryhill, Director of the Botanic Garden
Tuesday, October 29, 2024	“The Irrationality of Human Confidence that an Ageless Existence Would be Better,” presented by Susan Levin, Roe/Straut Professor in the Humanities and Profesor of Philosophy
Wednesday, November 13, 2024	"Understanding the Historic US Election of 2024," presented by Scott LaCombe, Assistant Professor of Government & Statistical and Data Sciences, and Claire Leavitt, Assistant Professor of Government
Tuesday, February 18, 2025	"Recent Music of Kate Soper,” presented by Kate Soper, Iva Dee Hiatt Associate Professor of Music
Tuesday, March 11, 2025	“Transforming College Operations for Climate Justice,” presented by Alex Barron, Associate Professor of Environmental Science and Policy
Thursday, April 3, 2025	Title TBA, presented by Sarah Willie-LeBreton, President. Co-sponsored by OBND and the Emeriti/ae Advisory Committee
Tuesday, May 6, 2025	5:15-8 p.m.: OBND Annual Gala Banquet

Emeriti & Retirement Resources

Retirement Benefits Access & Support for Retired Faculty Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education Five College Learning in Retirement