Alumnae Oral Histories
1990-1999
| 1990s saw a rise in the use of the Internet with more and more individuals purchasing their own computers. Grunge music splashed on the scene; the Clinton political era gave way to the George H.W. Bush years. The campus saw a continuation of student activism around racial and homophobic incidents. The College elected its first African-American president , Ruth Simmons, who enjoyed a strong supportive relationship with the students. |
Full videos
Scroll down for a list of narrators and links to transcripts.
Narrators
Lisa Abrams, Class of 1990
In this interview, Lisa Abrams discusses her introduction to Smith via a Mt. Holyoke graduate, her tight knit house community and the lasting relationships that resulted. Abrams also talks about her study abroad experience and how it impacted her return to campus, as well as her work study experience in the dean’s office. She details her post Smith educational career and how invaluable her Smith education was in helping her to achieve her goals.
Katherine Boulton, AC 1990
In this interview, Kathy Boulton discusses her introduction to Smith College, the Ada Comstock Scholars program and subsequent admission. She talks about her experience as a non-traditional student in and out of the classroom and details specific incidences where age a life experience benefited and hindered her experience within the Smith community. She credits Jill Ker Conway and Eli Rothman with providing women an opportunity to continue their education and stresses how important her Smith education has been in furthering her career, increasing her earning capacity and ability to think both critically and analytically.
Erin Joslyn, Class of 1990
In this oral history, Erin Joslyn discusses her involvement with the student publication The Green Age, her experiences living in Hopkins and studying in Cambridge, England, and her work as an art history major. Joslyn also describes the overall campus atmosphere, including issues of diversity and tensions between heterosexual and homosexual students. Finally, Joslyn talks about the societal difficulties and pressures that women face, what it feels like to be back at her Smith reunion, and who she has become since Smith — working as an art historian, owning an antiques business, and working as a writer on several different projects.
Mariceleste Miller, Class of 1990
In this oral history, Mariceleste Miller discusses her experiences living in Morris House and Park House, her involvement with theater, and her work as a biology major and math minor. She also describes the general campus climate and atmosphere (including racial tensions), Helen Caldicott’s commencement address, and her current work with the Smith admissions office in Baltimore, Maryland.
Kathleen Banks Nutter, AC 1990
In this interview, Kathleen Banks Nutter discusses how marriage and motherhood delayed her college education until her early 30s. She details her unique undergrad experience as a mother of young children, commuting to campus and scheduling classes around her husband’s work schedule. Banks Nutter also talks about beneficial connections and opportunities she made at Smith and her 25 year career as accessioning archivist at the Sophia Smith Collection.
Elizabeth Kessler, Class of 1991
In this interview, Elizabeth (Liza) Kessler recounts her introduction to Smith as a sophomore transfer student from Reed College. She talks about her time as a Head Resident, as well as her work with the Racism and Cultural Awareness panel and the Women’s Resource Center. Kessler also reflects on her life after Smith, her surprising career trajectory, and what it takes to land on your feet.
Felicia Otchet, Class of 1991
In this interview, Felicia Otchet reflects on her time at Smith as a head resident, the psychology major, and Smith’s vast recreational sports offerings. She talks about the campus’ strong feminist and activist leanings, both in and out of class, highlighting the student’s anti-racism protests in Lilly Hall. Since graduating Otchet remains focused on championing the underserviced, a trait she attributes to the lessons she learned at Smith.
Access to this interview is restricted. If you would like to view the transcript, please email Nanci Young at nyoung@smith.edu.
Julia Hayden, Class of 1994
In this interview, Hayden talks about her experience as part of a class year that was marked by racial tension. She discusses her experience of Lamont House community, racial tensions from the perspective of a white Southerner, and working long hours as the Sophian editor. Hayden ends the interview with advice and reflections on racial issues at Smith.
Access to this interview is restricted. If you would like to view the transcript, please email Nanci Young at nyoung@smith.edu.
Nicole James, Class of 1994
In this oral history, Nicole James talks about finding a strong house community in Tyler House and her favorite traditions there. She also talks about the highly politicized campus and “politically correct” culture, which was polarizing, especially for students of color. Nicole speaks to the impact that attending reunions has had on her. The interview ends with Nicole saying this oral history project is essential for gaining the perspective of women of color at Smith.
Access to this interview is restricted. If you would like to view the transcript, please email Nanci Young at nyoung@smith.edu.
Wendy Welsh, AC 1995
In this interview, Wendy Welsh discusses how she left a career in insurance in order to finish her education at Smith. She talks about her academic life and coursework, the male dominated computer science major and compares and contrasts her classroom experiences at Smith and UMass. She credits specific Smith professors with instilling confidence and details life after Smith and how her Smith education has benefited her personally and professionally.
Access to this interview is restricted. If you would like to view the transcript, please email Nanci Young at nyoung@smith.edu.
Kirstin Bridier, Class of 1996
In her interview, Kirstin Bridier remembers her time in Emerson House and talks about favorite house traditions like convocation, and Medieval Banquet. An English major with an interest in vocal performance, she talks about the influence professors in both departments had on her time at Smith. Bridier also recounts her work in the Smith College Archives.
Neelofer Chaudry and Mahima Joishy, Class of 1996
In this interview, best friends, Mahima Joishy and Neelofer Chaudry look back on how they met, and how their friendship influenced their time at Smith. Having both lived in Wilder house, Joishy and Chaudry recount their favorite Wilder cheers and traditions. Joishy and Chaudry were also involved in Ekta, the South Asian Students’ Association.
Katherine Reymann, Class of 1996
In this interview, Katherine Reymann, former member of Emerson House and the Smith College Crew Team, looks back on her time in both communities, as well as the close friendships she formed there. Reymann remembers the social dynamics and tensions between the quad and the rest of campus, and the rise of activism in quad houses in support of minority students.
Jessica Rowe, Class of 1997
In this oral history, Jess Rowe explains her decision to come to Smith, her work as a painting and English double major, her coming out process and relationship with her partner, and her experiences after leaving Smith.
Access to this interview is restricted. If you would like to view the transcript, please email Nanci Young at nyoung@smith.edu.
Barbara Dybwad, Class of 1998
In this oral history, Barbara Dybwad speaks about the powerful effect of the Smith network in her life. She discusses the Smiffenpoofs and the central role that group played in her college experience. She recalls classes that enriched her life as well as the camaraderie that developed during final exams and the importance for her of the seriousness with which students approach academics at Smith.
Access to this interview is restricted. If you would like to view the transcript, please email Nanci Young at nyoung@smith.edu.
Alix Kolar, Class of 1998
In this oral history, Alix Kolar speaks about the unique environment on the Smith campus and the foundation in critical thinking and breadth of interests that her Smith education provided. She recalls her favorite Smith traditions, including Friday teas, which remain important.
Access to this interview is restricted. If you would like to view the transcript, please email Nanci Young at nyoung@smith.edu.
