Join fellow Smithies Friday, September 18 at 7:30pm for a unique visit to Longwood Gardens. “Nightscape: A Light and Sound Experience by Klip Collective transforms Longwood Gardens into a living canvas where light dances with shadow, music fills the air, and your imagination soars.”
Purchase your tickets online directly from the Longwood Gardens website (http://longwoodgardens.org/nightscape) and then email us at phillysmithclub@gmail.com so we know to expect you! Tickets are $27 per adult and $17 for children ages 5-18. Longwood members attend for free, but a Nightscape ticket is required. Your Nightscape ticket is also good for for daytime admission to the gardens – arrive as early as you like!
We’ll meet at Longwood’s new Beer Garden at 7:30pm and then explore the illuminated gardens. (Optimal viewing starts at 8:30pm.)
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!
Liz in 1997, looking glamorous as a model for “October” in Smith’s calendar!
Missing Herrell’s ice cream this time of year? We’ll do our best. The August edition of our monthly “On the 18th” event will take place on Tuesday, August 18th at 7pm. Join us this time for ice cream at the Spruce Street Harbor Park!
Columbus Blvd. and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia
To find us, look for the rainbow colored balloons by the picnic tables on the southern side of the park.
Enjoy the great outdoors and a drink at the PHS Pop Up Garden in East Passyunk (9th and Wharton St.)
Join us Saturday, July 18th at 4pm!
The East Passyunk pop-up garden is located directly across from Pat’s and just down the street from Geno’s at 829 Wharton Street. The brand-new beer garden has a food and drink menu curated by the folks behind Cantina los Caballitos, Royal Tavern and Triangle Tavern. Brews flow from 12 taps, and cocktails, frozen punch and wine are available, too.
Look for the Smith College Club of Philadelphia Table Tent!
(Rain location: In case of rain, we’ll head a few blocks up and indoors to The Garage bar at 1231 East Passyunk.)
Connect with Philadelphia-area Smith College alumnae for a networking event that will include alumni from other participating universities. Meet Colleen Delvecchio, director of alumnae engagement and Lindsey Venne, program specialist for alumnae engagement, and hear about what’s happening on the Smith campus.
Enjoy a fun evening complete with networking, finger foods, a cash bar, door prizes, and special presentations. Wear Smith Color colors (blue and gold) for entry into an additional prize drawing.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Marriott Courtyard Downtown Philadelphia
21 Juniper Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Cost: $15 includes soft drinks and appetizers, cash bar will be available.
Enter Discount Code “Philly2015” for a $5 savings.
Stop by the Smith College table at the event for a free drink ticket!
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.
This spring, the Smith College Club of Philadelphia was pleased to present book awards to 15 talented young women in the Philadelphia area.
Jayleen Ayala (below, on right) was Olney Charter High School’s first ever recipient of the Smith Book Award. Jayleen has just completed her junior year and is ranked in the top 5% of her class.
Congratulations to Jayleen and the award recipients at the following Philadelphia area high schools:
Abington Senior High School
Academy of Notre Dame
Agnes Irwin School
AIM Academy
Conestoga High School
J.R. Masterman
Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy
Mastery Charter High School
Olney Charter High School
Penncrest High School
Pennsbury High School
Philadelphia High School for Girls
Plymouth Whitemarsh High School
Solebury High School
Upper Darby High School
Do you have an area high school that you’d like to see on this list next year? Let us know!
Book awards are funded 100% from donations. Just $20 sponsors a book award! If you would like to support this program and help us recognize even more outstanding students next year, consider adding a book award donation when you send in your 2015-2016 annual dues. (Club dues cover the fiscal year starting July 1).
Where: 25th and Locust, near the Schuylkill River Banks board walk. Look for a red balloon!
About the event: “Yoga on the Banks meets on the grassy area at 25th and Locust, near the new Schuylkill River Banks board walk in Philadelphia. In order to meet our mission of making yoga accessible to everyone, Yoga on the Banks is donation-based, and has no set fee. This program is entirely supported by you – our students – and your donation is gratefully accepted to support our teachers and assistants, insurance costs, and the administration of this program.”
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!
Liz Borland ’97
