November 2012
As I write this letter, my first fall at Bryn Mawr is winding down. I have been amazed not only by the campus’ beauty but also by the fevered pace at which the Bryn Mawr community operates during this time of year. The entire nation was caught up in election fever in the past few months, and in “Dear Mr. President” we asked faculty and alumnae experts to look beyond the campaign with letters of advice on some of the most critical issues President Obama will have to tackle in the next four years. Of course, the students have returned. They worked tirelessly to get out the vote, and shared stories of busy summers that included Summer of Service internships and defying gravity in the name of science. The College kicked into high gear preparing for the arrival of Patti Smith, the recipient of the 2013 Katharine Hepburn Medal. Smith influenced generations of Mawrters, some of whom share their experiences with her music, writing, and art in our cover story, “The Night Belongs to Us.” From politics to Patti Smith, we invite you to share your thoughts, too.
–Priya Ratneshwar, Editor
On the cover: Patti Smith, 2007 ©Edward Mapplethorpe
President’s Column
Bryn Mawr’s distinctive commitment to combining its founding mission with a global role for the College.
On Course: Big Oil’s Legacy
Students explore the global impact of the petroleum industry in a new 360˚.
Campus News
Move-In Day and Fall Convocation; Bryn Mawr ranks number one in
Washington Monthly; students get out the vote; Levine Collection comes to Bryn Mawr; and more.
Graphic Pioneer
The Emily Balch Speaker Series features acclaimed author and comic artist Alison Bechdel.
Summer of Service
Linet Suarez ’13 teaches English to refugees and immigrants in Philadelphia.
The Night Belongs to Us
As Bryn Mawr’s Katharine Houghton Hepburn Center prepares to present the 2013 Katharine Hepburn Medal to Patti Smith, a generation of Mawrters recalls their discovery of the inspirational rocker/poet/artist.
Learning That Defies Gravity
Geology majors conduct research in zero-g as part of an elite NASA program.
Dear Mr. President
Bryn Mawr alumnae and faculty experts write letters of advice to President Obama on some of the most pressing challenges he will face.
A Promise Is a Promise
Martha Cummings ’80 enlists a network of Mawrters to support education in South Africa.
Alumnae News
Record turnout for Alumnae Volunteer Summit; Joanna Semel Rose ’52 inducted into American Academy of Arts and Sciences; special holiday price for Offerings to Athena; amendments to Alumnae Association bylaws; Alumnae Association on Facebook.
Upcoming Events
Katharine Hepburn: Fashion Forward; 360º of Innovation; Spring webinars; event calendar.
Reading Room
A new book by Marcia Cantarella ’68 guides students to college success; alumnae books.
GSAS: Math Ph.D. Opens Doors
Graduate alumnae/i draw on their mathematics doctorates in a range of career paths.
GSSWSR: Bryn Mawr Squared
Social Work alumnae who also received their undergraduate degrees at Bryn Mawr discuss the benefits of their experience.