Celebrating Smith’s 150th

In September of 1875, Smith College opened its doors to 14 students and six faculty members. Ever since then, we’ve been pushing the world forward in profound ways. Smith—and Smithies—have been a force for change, transforming our society, our history, and the lives and leadership of women. Smith’s impact on the greater good has been undeniable.

Read President Sarah’s letter to the community launching our sesquicentennial. 

Throughout 2025, we’ll celebrate Smith as a college of and for the world. Check back here often for new content, event listings, and timeline updates.

A Look Back at 150 Years

 

150 Years, 150 Stories

Smith College has an inspiring and complex story. Over the course of the year, we will collect 150 (or more!) stories of the people, places, ideas, and initiatives—some new, some taken from our archives—that provide a rich, nuanced portrait of Smith’s place in the world, its influence on culture, and the powerful ways it has evolved and responded to the big issues of the day. Check back here for regular updates, and feel free to share your own personal stories of how Smith shaped you.

150th Anniversary

1909: President Marion Le Roy Burton

In this Quarterly profile, Burton, who began his presidential duties in 1910, is described as a “man...

  • 150th Anniversary
  • January 10, 2025
Archival black and white of Marion Le Roy Burton sitting in a chair
150th Anniversary

1909: Debating Women's Right to Vote

In this essay for the first issue of the Smith Alumnae Quarterly, Ada Comstock, class of 1897, expla...

  • 150th Anniversary
  • January 10, 2025
150th Anniversary

1942: When Smith Went to War

In this Quarterly profile, Burton, who began his presidential duties in 1910, is described as a “man...

  • 150th Anniversary
  • January 10, 2025
A male soldier salutes female soldiers as they march across the lawn carrying an American flag and a Smith College flag
Little Love Stories

Smith Allowed Me to Dream Bigger

Inspired by a book from a public library, Christy Hardin Smith ’91 found a whole new world at Smith.

  • Little Love Stories
  • January 9, 2025
Conversations with Sarah

Expanding Sophia Smith’s Dream

President Willie-LeBreton reflects on Smith’s history and how the college keeps moving forward.

  • Conversations with Sarah
  • January 7, 2025
Sarah Willie-LeBreton smiling outdoors and sitting on a bench.

Write a little love story to Smith

To help us celebrate the college’s 150th anniversary, send us a love story to Smith. It can be about a favorite place on campus, an influential professor or staff member, an enduring memory or friendship—something that captures the essence of what makes Smith special. We’ll post responses to this page and possibly use some of the stories in an upcoming issue of the Smith Quarterly.

Submit Your Story

Game Changer

Smith has always been a place for "Game Changers"—people who challenge the status quo and make a real difference in the world. Their stories show how one person can spark big change.

Explore more profiles of Smith’s Game Changers.

Elim Chan ’09

Renowned conductor Elim Chan ’09 was the first female to win the Donatella Flick Conducting Competition, enabling her to spend the 2015–16 season as assistant conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra, where she worked closely with Valery Gergiev before becoming a Dudamel Fellow at the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Chan has since served as principal guest conductor of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra from 2018–2023 and principal conductor of the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra from 2019–24, while maintaining a demanding schedule of guest conductor appearances with top orchestras around the world. Recent engagements include collaborations with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Philharmonia Orchestra, Staatskapelle Berlin, Staatskapelle Dresden, and the Orchestre de Paris. Chan is also working with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Castilla y León in a three-year collaboration (2023–26) focusing on the ballets of Stravinsky.

Celebrate in Style

In honor of our sesquicentennial, we’ve put together a collection of gear ranging from mugs to T-shirts to notebooks. Let everyone know you’re proud to celebrate 150 years of Smithie magic.

Shop the 150th Collection

On View at Neilson

A group of Smithies walking away from the Grécourt Gates, smiling

1968 September
Washington, D.C.-area Smith students in front of the Grécourt Gates.
Grounds subject files, CA-MS-00137, box 264.1, folder 23

Smithies!

Celebrating 150 Years of Student Life

On display on the ground floor of Neilson Library throughout 2025, this exhibit offers a glimpse into the social, academic, and athletic lives of Smithies over the last 150 years. Check out an astronomy class from the 1800s, a protest in 1956, a dance rehearsal from 1990, and more in this exhibit curated from the Smith College Archives.

Learn more about the display.

A Year of Celebration

We’ll be celebrating all year long. Check out some of the highlights of the sesquicentennial year. View the full events calendar.

Rally Day

February 20

Announcement of the commencement honorands

Bulb Show Opens

March 1

Celebrating the 130th anniversary of the Smith College Botanic Garden

Come Home to Smith Day

November 1

Have a story, content idea, or addition to the timeline? Email smith150@smith.edu.