Events

SCCW Annual Mee

Saturday, June 4 at 2:00pm

The Smith College Club of Washington (SCCW) will hold its annual meeting (including year-end review and election of officers) via Zoom. The details, reports, and the final slate of officers will be posted here prior to the annual meeting. Click here to join by Zoom. If you have any questions or would like an accommodation, please contact SCCW at SmithClubDC@gmail.com.

SCCW Nominations for 2022-2023 (as of May 25, 2022)

* Denotes officers to be elected during the annual meeting

*President/Co-President: Sibyl Brown ‘14

*Vice President of Fundraising: Kristy Keteltas

*Vice President of Communications: Lisa Berrios ‘02 AC

*Co-Vice President of Mentoring: Cherilyn McGlynn '16

*Vice President of Admissions: Laura Clary

*Vice President of Education (Garrison Reading Program): Sophia Casten ‘22

*Treasurer-Club Operations: Suzanne Muchetti ‘91

*Treasurer-Scholarship Fundraising: Suzanne Muchetti ‘91

*Recording Secretary: Kaitlyn Coyne ‘19

*Corresponding Secretary: Geraldine Provost Lyons ‘02 AC

Diversity & Inclusion Chair: Allison Wu

Social Media Chair: Sibyl Brown ‘14

Young Alums Chair: Wendy Ramirez ‘16

Nominations Chair: Corrina Sowden Perrine ‘07

Pecan Chair: Kaitlyn Coyne ‘19

Open Roles

*Vice President of Programs

*Co-Vice President of Mentoring

Membership Chair

Website Chair

Annual Report - End of Year Review

Programs - Jacky Arrowsmith and Sibyl Brown

In the past six months, the Programs Committee has organized a variety of activities; the in person activities consisted of the annual Tea (December), a Brunch for Women's History Month (March), Tour of Hung Liu's Portraits of Promised Lands at the National Portrait Gallery (March) and a talk on the Economics of College Sports by Professor Andrew Zimbalist (May). We have also hosted and participated in a number of virtual programs including Ann Hornaday's Pre-Oscar Talk (February) with the Women's National Democratic Club, Valentine's Day Virtual Happy Hour (February) and Professor Luca Capogna's Talk on "Learning the Laws of Nature Through AI" (April).

Mentoring Program - Brianna Dieter and Cherilyn McGlynn

The SCCW Mentoring Program is pleased to have 14 pairs of Mentor-Mentees in its 2022 cohort, running January through September. Participants are pursuing professional development through one-on-one mentoring sessions, along with programming on topics such as leadership, negotiations, and goal setting. We invite applicants for the Co-Lead position to help organize and run the Mentoring Program.

Treasurer - Suzanne Mucchetti

The Smith College Club of Washington is finishing the year in a solid financial position. We continue to be careful with our funds and have reduced our expenses wherever possible. The SCCW is grateful for everyone's dues contributions, which enable us to provide diverse and enjoyable programming to our members.

Admissions - Laura Clary

Thanks to our successful sale, we’ll be able to send a sizeable donation to the club’s Endowed Fund that is managed by the college. All profits from the pecan sale are sent to the Endowed Fund and proceeds from this Fund are distributed annually as scholarships to local students.

Communications - Lisa Berrios

This year, the Communications program sent eBlasts to more than 3000 local alums monthly to share SCCW news, programs and opportunities to stay connected with Smith College. In addition, the Communications program started a social media campaign, #SCCWSmithies, to share and celebrate the successes and stories of local students, alums and club members.

Website - Jaclyn Walkins

Over the 2021-2022 term, I rebuilt the SCCW website on a new platform and moved all content there. This included reformatting content to make it more user-friendly and including additional features like a members' section where we can maintain private documents and information. Regular website maintenance includes regularly adding new content, like events and program recordings, and keeping club information up to date. I also managed our Vimeo account to host webinar recordings and occasionally updated Google forms.

Pecans Chair - Caroline Carbaugh

SCCW’s main fundraising effort is the annual pecan sale conducted each fall. This year, we sold 792 bags of plain pecans and 288 bags of chocolate covered pecans. Thanks to our successful sale, SCCW sent a sizeable donation to the club’s Endowed Fund that is managed by the college. All profits from the pecan sale are sent to the Endowed Fund and proceeds from this Fund are distributed annually as scholarships to local students. We offer our heartfelt thanks to all those who bought pecans from the SCCW in 2021 and hope you’ll be back this fall to buy even more!

Current Student Liaison - Sophia Casten

I am happy to report a successful year as the current student liaison! I organized inviting current students in DC to the annual holiday tea where they had a blast networking and enjoying the company of other Smithies. I also hosted a successful current DC Smithies meet up on campus where over 20 students attended. I am eager to continue in this role as well as take on the Garrison Reading Program.

Ada Comstock Scholar Liaison - Lisa Berrios

For the first time, the SCCW Board started an Ada Comstock Scholar Liaison position to include and encourage Ada Comstock Scholar alumni participation in SCCW programs, events and opportunities. The Liaison is working closely with the Ada Comstock Scholar Class for joint events beginning this summer - fall.

Garrison Reading Program - Mary Douglas

The Reading program at Garrison Elementary continued this year with a group of read-aloud volunteers who were few in number but dedicated in purpose. We look forward to expanded volunteering next year after two unusual years. On June 11, Garrison Elementary staff and students will receive a presentation of a memorial gift in memory of Andrea Kane ‘83, who was the original and long-time Director of the Read-Aloud program for the Smith College Club of Washington. Thank you to the SCCW and its members for a $3000 donation given in her name. Specifically we thank the following alumnae who contributed:

Jacky Arrowsmith

Kathleen Brueger

Caroline Carbaugh

Clare Coleman

Kate Connelly

Mary Douglas

Jean Dudek

Estrellita Fitzhugh

Marybeth Fraser

Molly Giammarco

Candace Gibson

Peggy Greene

Sylvia Henderson

Betsy Haines

Kristy Gertsen Keteltas

Audrey Kremer

Phyllis Lavine

Holly Lincoln

Linda Matkovic

Suzanne Mucchetti

Reggie Oldak

Kathy Prendergast

Nancy Simon

Corrina Sowdon

Knia Tanner

Mary Louise Wagner

Michelle Webster

Monica Unger

Mentor Program Talk

Saturday, May 21 from 12:00 - 2:00 PM

SCCW Mentoring Program will host a talk on Leadership by former Director of Alumnae Engagement at Smith College Colleen DelVecchio on Saturday, May 21, from 12.00pm - 2.00pm. All are welcome. Please email sccwmentoring@gmail.com for the event link.

Community Events

Ivy Singles Social Club Embassy Hike

When: Sunday, June 5, 11:00am to 2:30pm

Where: Meet outside 4479 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008

Cost: Hike and energy sessions are free.

Organizer: Bruce McBarnette (Princeton Club), brucemcbarnette@gmail.com

Details and to RSVP: Click here or visit https://www.pcw-dc.org/article.html?aid=2527.

Join the Ivy Singles Social Club and the Princeton Club, on June 5, Sunday, for a hike, followed by complimentary energy sessions at a wellness center, and a lunch at a Thai food restaurant.The only cost is what you order at the restaurant. Bruce McBarnette (Princeton Club) will pay for appetizers.

The 2 mile hike will be in Rockcreek park and the Van Ness neighborhood. We will pass 16 embassies. Guests must be 18 years of age or older.

Smith College Club of Baltimore Party with a Purpose

Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks in a gorgeous setting with fellow Baltimore-area Smith alums for our annual at Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen at the Baltimore Museum of Art (will be held outside on the covered terrace) on Saturday, June 11, 12:30 to 3:30 PM. Beth Ruekberg, ’82, MS, M.Ed. will present and moderate a discussion on “History Lessons from the Past: Why More Voices are Needed at the Table.” Afterwards, tour the BMA and view an exhibit by Smithie Joan Mitchell ‘43 (must reserve). RSVP to Robin Ulanow at rulanow@yahoo.com. Friends and family are welcome!

This event has been generously underwritten by several SCCB members. Your voluntary, tax-deductible contribution will go directly to the SCCB endowed scholarship fund! Submit your contribution at the event or mail to Justina Starobin, 2207 Sugar Cone Road, Balto., MD 21209. Checks should be made payable to SCCB.

Suggested VOLUNTARY contribution:
Classes of 2011-2021: $20/person
Classes prior to 2011: $40/person
Parking at the BMA lot: $9/person

Have a community event to share? Contact the communications team at sccwcomm@gmail.com.

Community events are hosted by affinity groups and shared for your convenience. The SCCW is not responsible for these events.

Free real estate classes: visit http://mcbarnette.com for more info. Bruce McBarnette, Esq.

Past Events

See recorded past events, such as webinars, and corresponding materials. For more information and details on events prior to 2020, see the SCCW newsletters and e-blasts for more information.

DC Area Smith Student Hangout

Current DC-area Smithies met on campus in March 2022 for a hangout hosted by the Smith College Club of Washington Board. Our current student liaison, Sophia Casten ‘22 engaged the students with icebreakers and other fun activities to help the students get to know each other! Refreshments were provided and a great time was had by all!

Wunder Garten Visit

On Saturday, July 24th about a dozen Smithies gathered at Wunder Garten in DC for delicious drinks and food. We had a strong showing of young alumni, many of whom have recently moved to the DC area. It was a beautiful afternoon to sit outside and visit with local Smithie friends! We all had a wonderful time and look forward to hopefully more in person events in the fall! Stay tuned for more exciting events that are being planned.

January - April 2021 Highlights from the Vice President of SCCW Programs

The SCCW Programs is excited to share that it has continued its momentum in virtual events and activities and seen increased participation from members in the last few months -- from January through April of this year. We have worked very hard to keep bringing you events that have featured our talented D.C. Smith alumnae, celebrated the values of Smith College, and encouraged community building (even virtually)!

The SCCW could not have hosted these events without the energy, hard work, and talents of our dedicated alumnae. We appreciate and acknowledge all of the alumnae who have worked behind the scenes to make these events happen: Lisa Berrios ‘02 AC, Sibyl Brown ‘14, Becca Damante ‘17, Amy Tyrell ’93, Mila Lynne Floro ‘76, and Bea Dalton ’19.

Virtual Luncheon - We are thrilled to have started and continued to host a virtual luncheon on the second Tuesday of each month. Thank you for all who have attended regularly! It has been a wonderful time to catch up with friends and check in about current events in our D.C. communities. Keep having lunch with us!

Virtual Happy Hours & Trivia Nights - We held our first virtual happy hour (with cocktails and wine at home, of course) in January. This quickly inspired a Valentine’s Day happy hour and scavenger hunt in February. Our fabulous young alumnae Sibyl Brown ‘14, Becca Damante ‘17, and Bea Dalton ’19. were instrumental in coordinating the event. They even organized a virtual scavenger hunt of Smith College memorabilia, inspiring many stories about our time at Smith and sharing of yearbooks, sweatshirts, teacups, and other Smith things that remind us of Smith. In March, we celebrated women’s history month with a trivia night hosted by Becca Damante ’17. This event had a fantastic turnout and we look forward to another trivia night next year! We also held a discussion on “Songs of the Suffragists: Lyrics of American Feminism form 1850 to 2020” during our monthly virtual luncheon.

Featuring our D.C. Smithies – This year, we have been very fortunate to feature so many talented Smithies that call the Washington, D.C. area home. In January, we featured writers and poets Anne Harding Woodworth ’65, author of the poetry book Trouble, and Katherine E. Young ’83, author of Woman Drinking Absinthe, at a virtual poetry reading event. Following their readings, attendees read their own poetry or favorite poems at an open mic event. We held a book launch for writer Katherine Manning ’96, author of The Empathetic Workplace: 5 Steps to a Compassionate, Calm and Confident Response to Trauma on the Job. She talked about her book and hosted Zoom breakout rooms where attendees could ask her questions about issues in their workplaces.

In February and April, realtor Kathleen Ryan ’81 talked to Smithies about winning the bidding war when buying a house and whether to rent or buy your next home. Current junior student Sophia Casten ’22, who will be in D.C. for the Picker Program this coming fall, taught a virtual yoga class that focused on strengthening, stretching, and relaxing our bodies. In April, many club members attended an event hosted by the Women’s National Democratic Club “How to Prep for the 2021 Oscar” with Ann Hornaday ’82.

Socializing with our Local Seven Sisters– We coordinated and attended a “Sip & Share” virtual event in late April with the local Seven Sisters alumnae clubs. Seven Sisters Alumnae Association Liaison Mila Lynne Floro ‘76 played a significant role in launching this event for us. The event was attended by nearly 50 alumnae from Smith, Vassar, Mount Holyoke, Bryn Mawr, and Barnard, who reside in the D.C., Virginia, and Maryland area. Attendees had the opportunity to socialize and get to know each other in Zoom breakout rooms – which was a unique experience that created new friendships and connections. We are planning another event for the summer months, so be sure to sign up!

Event Recordings

Faculty Speaker Series

Suffrage to the ERA

Sunday, October 18, 2020

Panelist: Professor Carrie Baker

Please watch the recording on Vimeo. Note that the video is password protected with the same password you use to access the membership page. If you receive an error message, try opening the link in a new tab or copy/pasting the link into a new tab or window.

SmithVent Presentation

Sunday, August 23, 2020

Panelists: Claire Dudek '16 and Bea Dalton '19

Please view the recording on Vimeo. Note that the video is password protected with the same password you use to access the membership page. If you receive an error message, try opening the link in a new tab or copy/pasting the link into a new tab or window.

Resilience During Career Transition Panel Discussion

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Panelists:

Maria Honeycutt - Senior Coastal Scientist at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Katharine Manning - President, Blackbird DC and Adjunct Professor, American University
Shaila Manyam - SVP for Public Affairs and Crisis at BCW Global
Kathleen Ryan - Realtor at Real Living | At Home (RLAH)

Please view the tip sheet and watch the recording on Vimeo. Note that the video is password protected with the same password you use to access the membership page. If you receive an error message, try opening the link in a new tab or copy/pasting the link into a new tab or window.

August - October 2020 Event Write-Ups

For write-ups on events from August - October 2020, please see the November 2020 e-Blast located on the Club Documents page.