Global Connections: An international newsletter | September 2019
Greetings from International Alumnae Relations & Development!

You may have noticed we have a new department name: International Alumnae Relations & Development. Though we've been engaging with alumnae abroad for years, we've recently formalized the merging of our departments. This means that you'll still see us when we travel or when you come to campus and you can also reach out to us for assistance with gathering alumnae together in your city (as we're now the primary contacts for international clubs, groups, and networks!).

Read on below for more information about our newest international students, the survey we conducted over the summer, President McCartney's upcoming trip to Asia, and how to keep in touch.

Sincerely,
Danielle Brown & Jacqui DeFelice
International Alumnae Relations & Development
Smith welcomes new international students
Just over 100 new international students came to campus for International Student Pre-orientation (ISP) this year. Among them was Serena Li '23 who, when asked about her favorite part of being on campus, answered "I can see the stars."

Smith also welcomed international exchange and graduate students (including those in the interdisciplinary studies diploma program). To learn more about the college's newest international students, read the profile of a first-year from China and view group photos from ISP.
Highlights from the international engagement survey
This summer, our intern Eleni Partakki '22 reached out to international alumnae and clubs to learn how Smithies want to be engaged with the college and each other. Here are a few highlights:

  • Smithies want to connect with one another! Nearly 75% had connected with another alumnae in the past year.
  • There is some confusion among alumnae about the differences between the Alumnae Association, Alumnae Relations, and Development. The Alumnae Association is all-inclusive of Smith graduates around the world; if you graduated from Smith, you're automatically a part of the Alumnae Association! And the Office of International Alumnae Relations & Development is a joint effort to engage with alumnae around the world and fundraise for Smith; it is staffed by Danielle Brown and Jacqui DeFelice.
  • Most clubs gather two to three times a year, with some groups getting together just once a year and others gathering more frequently. At least a few of our groups abroad are planning to celebrate Mountain Day together this year!

We're working on a set of best practices for international alumnae groups to be released in 2020. If you have questions in the meantime, please contact our office.
President McCartney to travel to Asia
In November, Smith College President Kathleen McCartney will travel to Singapore and Seoul, Korea to meet with alumnae, parents, and friends of the college. President McCartney will be hosting Smith community events in Singapore on November 17 and in Seoul on November 22. Details will be forthcoming.
Share your accomplishments with us!
We hope you're enjoying the Smith College Global Connections Facebook page! We post daily, and share news from campus, students, faculty, and alumnae. We're currently seeking submissions from alumnae. If you have photos (with identifying details such as the date taken and the names of the people depicted) please email them to Danielle Brown to be posted on Facebook. A few examples of the kinds of things we're looking for:
  • Smithie gatherings in your city
  • Photos of your time at Smith
  • Photos of your study abroad experience
  • Smith mini-reunions around the world
Upcoming Events

  • Smith in Asia (Lahore, Pakistan - October 9-13)
  • Moving Stories screening (Frankfurt, Germany - October 14)
  • IS Day (November 4)
  • Life So Far: Tea With Inspiring Women (Paris, France - November 17)
  • President McCartney's visit to Asia (November 16-23)
  • Singapore Smith Community event (November 17)
  • Seoul Smith Community event (November 22)

For more information on any of the above, please contact Jacqui DeFelice .