The Smith College Club of Philadelphia

Liz Borland ’97

This month, we honor Liz Borland ’97 as our Smithie of the Month! As she steps down from her marvelous years of leadership as our Club President, we appreciate all the ways Liz has made the Philly Smith community what it is.

How long have you lived in Philadelphia?

Nearly 9 years.

What’s your favorite restaurant in the city?

I am a fan of Jose Garces–my favorite is Distrito because it is delicious and so much fun.

What are you up to now?

I am a professor of Sociology at The College of New Jersey. I am chair of my department and teach classes and/or do research on gender, social movements, organizations, theory and applied sociology.

What house did you live in on campus and what was your favorite thing about it?

I lived in Cushing and loved candlelight dinners on Thursday nights–back then we all our meals in the house and I loved the family atmosphere.

Why did you choose Smith?

I was in one of the inaugural years of the Smith Summer Science Program as a high school student. My mom went to Smith (Caren Byrd ’68) and I was not sure I wanted a women’s college, but after a great summer there, I made Smith my own. I also got invited to be in the STRIDE program, and that sealed the deal.

What is your favorite Smith tradition and why?

I am into our traditions–I did Sophomore Push and Junior Ushers, etc. Of course, everyone loves Mountain Day, but I think I would have to say Rally Day is my favorite event with the inspiring speakers and all the wonderful hats….and the floor-splitting sound of Smithies stomping their feet to the alma mater!

How did your Smith experience shape your life?

Smith challenged me and made me confident I could hold my own–I was given support and room to explore by my professors, who in turn have been role models for me in my own work as a teacher. And the lifelong learning and community that comes from being a Smithie among Smithies is a gift that keeps giving!

Name: Anne Standish

Class Year: 1979

How long have you lived in Philadelphia?

I have lived in Philadelphia since 1989.

What’s your favorite restaurant in the city?

So many favorites! The Spring Mill Café in Conshohocken and in the city, The White Dog Café.

What are you up to now?

I live in Wyndmoor with my family and am the Director of Major Gifts at AIM Academy.

What house did you live in on campus and what was your favorite thing about it?

Chapin and its architecture, central location with views of the greenhouse and Paradise Pond as well as the Margaret Mitchell connection!

Why did you choose Smith?

Excellent academics, with a strong art history department; 5 College Consortium; the House system & the encouragement of the headmistress of my school, Eleanor Tucker ’34.

What is your favorite Smith tradition and why?

Friday afternoon tea- it was a wonderful way to connect with friends and unwind at the end of the week. I also love Mountain Day and happily watch for its announcement every year.

How did your Smith experience shape your life?

Smith was a wonderful academic and social experience for me. I am grateful for the outstanding faculty and great friendships with fascinating women and now the community of amazing alumnae.

Name: Peicha Chang

Class Year: 2003

How long have you lived in Philadelphia? 

6 ½ years.

What’s your favorite restaurant in the city?

Zahav!  OMG have you tried their hummus?  It’s life-altering.  And a shout-out to Pure Sweets in Rittenhouse, run by fellow alum Andrea Kyan.  Her food is so good, you don’t care that it’s vegan & gluten-free (but you do care, because that’s why you go there!).

What are you up to now?

I opened Falls Flowers in 2009 – we’re a retail & event florist, and the first flower shop to become a certified B Corp!

What house did you live in on campus and what was your favorite thing about it?

Duckett.  It was just the best!  But really, I loved how intimate it was with just 34 residents.

Why did you choose Smith?

Honestly, I still have no idea.  It just clicked when I visited – the campus felt like home & I immediately felt like I belonged.

What is your favorite Smith tradition and why?

Primal Yell.  And Mountain Day.  Can I do that?  Primal Yell because where else do you get to just scream at the top of your lungs until you lose your voice?  It’s an amazing release.  Mountain Day because it has carried over even since I’ve graduated – every year I’m guaranteed to receive a text from fellow Smithies announcing it!

What makes a Smithie unique?

These questions are really hard.  It’s another one that I don’t have the answer to, but just know.  Every Smithie I’ve met outside of Smith, we’ve somehow just known that we share the same alma mater.  Must be some weird pheromone thing!

How did your Smith experience shape your life?

My time at Smith taught me to always question the norm, push boundaries, and that it’s really ok (and necessary) to fail before achieving success – all crucial life skills!