The Smith College Club of Philadelphia

January 2015, Smithie of the Month – Katherine Schneider, MD

Katherine Schneider, MD

Class Year: 1986

How long have you lived in Philadelphia?

Six and a half years.

What’s your favorite restaurant in the city?

This is too hard a question since I have one in every category! We live on Rittenhouse Sq and are still trying to get to every restaurant in a 2 block radius. Love this foodie town. I eat here as well if not better than on recent trips to Paris and Umbria! Yesterday I tried Dizengoff and almost fainted from the deliciousness of the lamb hummus.

What are you up to now?

I am the CEO of the Delaware Valley Accountable Care Organization, a joint venture of four regional health systems to implement new business models in healthcare that reward value and population health, not just volume of services. If you have a few hours, ask me about Health Reform!

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

Chapin for 2 years. I loved the beauty of it from the outside, my funny back stairwell room that looked out over the palm trees in the greenhouse, and the lazy factor of no “commute” to class.

What is your favorite Smith tradition and why?

Mountain Day, of course. Plant the seeds of self-care and enjoyment of nature.

Who was your favorite professor/what was your best class?

I plead the same answer as to the restaurant question above. I took classes in 21 departments and am a huge proponent of a true liberal arts education, even (especially) for someone going into science and technology. I fondly recall the killer Bio 100 which was so hard (and great) it was changed from one semesters to three, and also Calligraphy with Elliot Offner which has continued to stun people who see me write (the doctor with great handwriting).

How did your Smith experience shape your life?

1) Professionally, of course, it gave me the expectation of ability to succeed as a woman in a male-dominated field. When I got to medical school I was shocked that my highly accomplished female classmates from Ivy league colleges had been actively discouraged by some of their undergrad professors. 2) Although I was a Biochemistry major, I use that knowledge today about 0% of the time – as opposed to writing, critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills all of which were the lifelong skills that Smith gave me. 3) A network of women that continue to amaze me as I come across them everywhere – including four of us Smith Glee Club alumnae in my little church choir at First Unitarian in town!

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On the 18th — December at Garage, Philly

December’s on the 18th event:

Please come out to the East Passyunk neighborhood for our next “On the 18th” event! We will be gathering at Garage – a spacious bar with a food truck, a large beer selection, and pinball, pool, and skeeball!

WHAT? Philly Smith Club’s monthly On the 18th Event!

WHERE? Garage, 1231-1233 East Passyunk Avenue (http://garagephilly.com)

WHEN? Thursday, December 18th, 5:30 PM

Look for Kate Fox ’07, Carolyn Trench ’07, and Lindsey Allen ’08 with our Smith table tent.

P.S. In 2013, SeriousEats.com declared that Garage Philly is where you want to take a cheap date (in the best way possible)!

From: http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2013/09/best-bars-for-dates-philly-philadelphia-wine-bar-beer-cocktails-cheap-date-ideas.html

This newcomer, from the owners of Center City mainstays Vintage, Time, and Bar, is a well-stocked beer oasis at Ninth, Wharton and Passyunk, most recognized as the home of ludicrously lit-up South Philly cheesesteak heavies Pat’s and Geno’s. Solid business move opening up along a blazing neon intersection visible from space, right? You’ve actually got to browse a little to locate Garage, as it’s housed in the old Satellite Auto Body building and still bears that sign.

Inside, you’ll find a spacious digs accommodating pinball machines, Skeeball lanes, and pool tables ideal for breaking up the monotony of a date night. The bar itself specializes in canned crafts. They’re stocking more than 150 right now, with more on the way; popular options now include Founders All Day IPA, picks from Uinta and Ballast Point, and a plethora of canned pumpkin beers. No food beyond hot dogs as of right now, but there is a BYOC (bring your own cheesesteak) policy in place. Soon, they’ll have their stationary food cart, which will host a series of guest chefs, up and running.

Alumnae News

December 2014, Smithie of the Month – Holly Trostle Brigham

Name: Holly Trostle Brigham

Class Year: 1988

How long have you lived in Philly?

We moved back to Philadelphia in the fall of 2008. My husband and I lived here for a few years in the early 1990’s when he was working on his PhD at Penn. We were married at the Glen Foerd mansion on the Delaware in 1990.

What is your favorite restaurant in the city?

My favorite restaurant is Osteria. I especially love the roasted veggie platters!

What are you up to now?

I am a painter and am currently preparing for five exhibitions of my work. I will have a show at the Grossman Gallery at Lafayette College which opens on January 19. In the summer of 2015, I will have a show at the Benton Museum of Art in Storrs, Ct, and I will be in a group show at the New Bedford Art Museum in MA. I am in a group of women artists called Corpus VI. We all paint the figure and this show will feature examples of all of our work. In Early 2016 I will have a show at the Michener Museum and the Benton Museum show will travel to Penn State/Lehigh Valley.

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

At Smith, I lived in Hubbard House for my first two years, then went to Florence, Italy and senior year I lived in Gillett House. I loved the teas and all the house traditions. The fire drills at Hubbard were fun as my close friend was the Fire Chair so I always got a head’s up and got to go down to Dunkin Donuts beforehand to get snacks for when every one was wide awake! She would blast the Talking Heads “Burning Down the House” as the alarm was blaring.

Why did you choose Smith?

I chose Smith because of its wonderful Art History program and because of its reputation and because it was a small, gorgeous Liberal Arts school in New England. The fact that it was an all women’s college wasn’t a factor in the decision but looking back I am so glad that it is such a strong all female environment. I have chosen to send my daughter Flora to the Baldwin School, the prep school for Bryn Mawr College, because it reminds me so much of Smith.

What is your favorite Smith tradition and why?

I love Mountain Day! I think it is fabulous to be given a day off in my favorite season of the year! It would be a wonderful surprise, a day to catch your breath and to enjoy your friends and the wonderful autumn scenery.

How did your Smith experience shape your life?

My favorite professor was in the studio art department, Nicholas Von Bujdoss. I felt at ease around him and he guided me on the path that is now my career. At the time, I was an Art History major, but I knew deep down that I would be an artist one day. I think he did too.

Alumnae News, Club News, News

Smithie of the Month–Vita Reid, November 2014

Smithie of The Month

Name: Delvita (Vita) Reid

Class Year: AC 1993

Age: 55

Where have you lived?

I was born in Philadelphia, and was raised to adolescence in Lake Wales, Florida and Buck Hill Falls, Pennsylvania. At age 12, I returned to Philadelphia and attended the Philadelphia High School for Girls. I resided in University City for several years prior to moving lock, stock and barrel to Massachusetts to attend Smith in 1990. Shortly after graduation, I lived in San Francisco, CA with another Smithie, the Head Resident of Lawrence House during my senior year. I have lived in Philadelphia continuously since 1998.

What’s your favorite restaurant in the city?

My favorite restaurant hands down is La Croix at the Rittenhouse Hotel. Aside from having the most scrumptious Best of Philadelphia Sunday Brunch in town, their impeccable service is second to none.

What are you up to now?

I currently reside in the South Street/Head House District. I have two professions: (1) voiceover talent; and (2) litigation and estates administration paralegal. I am also an avid bridge player, and hope to win a world medal in a mixed-pairs event in ten years. I would like to attend law school and practice wills, trusts and estates law for high-net-worth clientele. I will be taking the LSAT in February 2015. My goal is to establish a nonprofit organization to educate people about the importance of drafting a will, to assist in the formulation of an estate plan, and to administer estates for low-income executors and testators.

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

Although I lived in Lawrence House during my senior year, Cutter House was by far my favorite domicile. I really enjoyed myself, as I made it a point to savor every moment of academic life. I made numerous friends in Cutter House, and we have kept in contact with each other to this day. Here I am surrounded by my Cutter House chums:

Photo courtesy of Kathie Giltinan, AC 1993.

Why did you choose Smith?

When I know I’m about to push beyond my comfort zone, I do everything I can to avoid self-sabotage. I wanted to make sure I did not talk myself out of applying to college. So I applied to Smith early decision. I chose Smith because I always set the bar high when establishing a goal, which forces me to reach for its attainment. Besides, I’m 5’10” tall, and I have very long arms!

What is your favorite Smith tradition and why?

Afternoon tea! I just loved sticking out my pinkie, sipping tea from those lovely tea cups, and enjoying those delicious desserts. I so looked forward to Fridays to decompress for a short while from the rigors of academia. I also loved volunteering on Ivy Day:

How did your Smith experience shape your life?

My first semester was fraught with fear and doubt. I spent the first several weeks in Spanish class thinking to myself, “I don’t understand a word my professor is saying. I’m not going to make it.” I was terrified. There I was a 31-year-old woman, among all those young people. “What on earth was I thinking when I applied to this school?!” “Have you lost your mind?!?”

Then all of a sudden uncertainty melted away triumphantly and everything started to fall in place like a stack of strategically-positioned dominos: (1) I got A’s on my Spanish compositions; (2) so many of my professors enjoyed reading my papers, including Professor Randy Frost who wrote, “Excellent Paper! The best I have seen in some time.”; (3) I was asked by Jim Henle and David Cohen to serve as undergraduate assistant for Intensive Calculus and Discrete Mathematics for two semesters; (4) One of my professors recommended that I be a peer writing tutor; and; (5) I made the Dean’s List. I not only graduated, … I excelled!

I came to the realization that if I can excel at Smith College, then I can do anything. So each year I make a commitment to push the envelope and do something I’ve never done before, no matter how big or small: (a) I’ve flown a plane over the Oregon Wilderness; (b) I flew to Milan, Italy alone and spent 21 days traveling throughout Italy (I did that on a dare); (c) I became a voiceover talent; and (d) I crocheted a baby blanket. There is so much to look forward to in this life, and I plan to do as much as I possibly can for as long as I possibly can. Smith College has graced me with an indomitable spirit, and for that I am eternally grateful.

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Fall 2014 Faculty Speaker: Frazer Ward (postponed)

**Due to illness, Professor Ward has canceled his talk which was scheduled for this Saturday the 15th. He wrote to say he is looking forward to rescheduling his talk in the spring.**

Join us in welcoming Professor Frazer Ward of the Art History Department as this year’s faculty speaker. Professor Ward will give a talk entitled, “Why Did the Performance Artist Cross the Road? From Jackson Pollock to Digital Art” on Saturday, November 15 at 3:00pm at the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Perelmen Building (2525 Pennsylvania Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130).

Tickets for the talk are $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Click the Donate button to RSVP and pay online for your tickets or mail a check made out to “Smith College Club of Philadelphia” to our treasurer. If you are mailing a check, please email phillysmithclub@gmail.com to RSVP and get the mailing address. Take this opportunity to renew your membership or to become a member of the club for the first time!

Join us after the talk for an informal happy hour (cash bar) at Rembrandt’s Restaurant & Bar (741 N. 23rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130). Rembrandt’s is a 5 minute walk from the Perelmen Building.

Alumnae News

Smithie of the Month–Anna Kegler, October 2014

Smithie of The Month

Name: Anna Kegler

Class Year: 2005

How long have you lived in Philadelphia? What’s your favorite restaurant in the city? I’m originally from Minnesota, but I’ve lived in Philly for four years now. My favorite restaurant at the moment is Cheu. Best noodles ever!

What are you up to now? I’m a Staff Writer on the marketing team for RJMetrics, a tech startup in Center City. I love it! We’re doing a ton of hiring right now, so definitely reach out if you’re interested in any of our open positions. I have also been involved in anti-street harassment activism in Philly, through HollabackPHILLY and Feminist Public Works.

What house did you live in on campus and what was your favorite thing about it? I lived in Northrop House, and my favorite thing about it was the amazing Ada Comstock scholars I met there. I also loved our Robert Smith Tea tradition, where we had a sing-along in our house living room, and tried our best to look like this:

Why did you choose Smith? I got lucky. I really had no idea what I was doing when I was looking at colleges, but I found Sylvia Plath’s poetry in high school, and it led me right to Smith.

What is your favorite Smith tradition and why? Mountain Day! Finally hearing those bells ringing early in the morning was magical.

Who was your favorite professor/what was your best class? My favorite professor was Frédérique Apffel-Marglin, in the Anthropology Department. I was one of her STRIDE scholars and every conversation with her was fascinating. And I’m even more grateful that the other STRIDE scholar was none other than the amazing Sarah Epstein, ‘05, who has been one of my favorite people in the world for almost 10 years now.

Do you have a defining/favorite/most memorable/transformative Smith moment? Sitting in class on the morning of September 11, 2001 – the first month of my first year of college – when someone decided to turn on the TV because the professor was late and we were bored. We couldn’t believe our eyes. We watched the second plane hit the towers, live.

*****

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On the 18th–Octoberfest Edition

Join us for a very special On the 18th in Philadelphia’s newest public space: Dilworth Park. This Saturday, Dilworth Park will transform into a beautiful outdoor space for Octoberfest. Click here for more details.

Smithies will be there at 4pm. Look for Susie and Lindsey decked out in Smith gear at the Beer Garden!

Overview

Located at the foot of City Hall, Dilworth Park has undergone a major — and awesome — transformation.

On September 4, the park reopened as a modern and welcoming outdoor space, reestablishing William Penn’s original Center Square as a gathering place for all Philadelphians.

Read on for info on the opening events as well as the full details of the massive renovations.

The Layout

The 120,557-square-foot public space will create a dynamic and accessible new hub for pedestrians, commuters and visitors.

A multifaceted space, Dilworth Park will include an enormous Great Lawn, an outdoor café operated by Jose Garces, a computer-programmable fountain, a performance space and activity areas for outdoor markets and an ice-skating rink in season.

Additionally, SEPTA transit lines will now be far more accessible with new elevators and new stairs, sheltered by cool-looking clear glass headhouses, to connect the surface streets with new entrances to the Market and Broad Street Lines and transit hub below, a system that transports 305,000 passengers through Center City each day.

Food & Drink

A plaza café located along the JFK Boulevard side of the park brings a Jose Garces dining destination to Dilworth Park. Modeled after Garces’ modern Cuban diner Rosa Blanca, the cafe has plans to serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. Those planning special events on site will also have the option of fare from Brûlée Catering by Chef Jean-Marie Lacroix.

With seating inside and outside on the terrace, the cafe ought to attract diners at all hours — breakfast, lunchtime, happy hour and dinner.

Tree Groves

There are four tree groves located on the park, providing shade and creating an oasis in the center of Philadelphia. The tree species selected are conducive to city settings and include Honey locust, Black locust, Katsura and London plane. These tree groves help lower air temperature as well as make the air healthier.

Getting There

Located directly next to City Hall, it couldn’t be much easier to get to Dilworth Park via public transportation. The subway’s 15th Street Station, City Hall Station and 13th Street Station are all an easy walk from the park, and both Suburban Station and Market East are just a few blocks away. Numerous bus lines circle City Hall on their routes as well.

For information on parking near Dilworth Park, check out our “Parking in Philadelphia” page, complete with a handy parking locator from the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA).

(Courtesy of http://www.visitphilly.com/museums-attractions/philadelphia/dilworth-plaza/)

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Jump into Fall 2014 with the Philly Smith Club!

There’s something about the crisp fall air that makes us long for the banks of Paradise Pond and the joys of Northampton more than usual. How wonderful would it feel to be back on campus right now, snuggled up with a cup of tea in your house living room, surrounded by Smithies? While we may all long for these days, there’s a warm and welcoming community of Smithies here in the Philadelphia area that revels in those beloved Smith Traditions right along with you and who can reignite that special feeling once again.

The Smith College Club of Philadelphia is vital to fostering alumnae connections and brings you a variety of engaging events all year round. we’d love for you to join us! Our membership year runs from July 1 to June 30 –so now is the perfect time to renew!

Regular membership: $20
Recent alums (2009-2014): only $5!

Our club is 100% volunteer-run and we rely on membership dues to cover many of our expenses. Recently, dues covered the costs of some amazing free club events:

A sendoff party for local Smithies starting their first year
A Tour of the Grand Opera House in Wilmington, Delaware with Smith alum Meredith Mitchell McAloon ‘10
Volunteering with Philabundance Hunger Relief Center
Tea and “Smith Through the Decades” Alumnae Panel

Your membership dues also help us send care packages to current students and present local high school juniors with book awards. Additionally, members receive a discount on any of our ticketed events.

You can become a member online or by sending a check. Click here to download the Smith College Club of Philadelphia membership form, and return it following the instructions on the form. Please contact phillysmithclub@gmail.com if you have any questions.

We hope to see you at one of our upcoming events. Thank you for your support!

Alumnae News

Smithie of the Month–Deb Davis, September 2014

Smithie of The Month

Name : Deborah Davis MD

Class Year: 1976

How long have you lived in Philadelphia? Lived outside Philly all of my 60 years.

What’s your favorite restaurant in the city? Bibou.

What are you up to now? I am a practicing as a pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist and intensive care physician and currently serve as the Director of Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit/ Nemours Cardiac Center at DuPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington Delaware.

What house did you live in on campus and what was your favorite thing about it? Lawrence. I lived in Sylvia Plath’s room and hoped that her creativity would rub off on me!!!

Why did you choose Smith? They gave me the best financial aid package which allowed me to go to college.

What is your favorite Smith tradition and why? Thursday night candle light dinners with professors. We felt all grown up eating a formal meal with linen tablecloths, good food and sophisticated conversations. We got to see our professors in a different light from the classroom and could interact with them on a different level.

Do you have a defining/favorite/most memorable/transformative Smith moment? Coming to Smith as a first year and meeting women who were smarter, more talented, more athletic and prettier (sorry it was the early 70’s and that stuff still mattered!!) than me. It was a very humbling experience and forced me to work hard to keep up and learn from them.

How did your Smith experience shape your life? Smith fostered and further developed my inquiring mind by exposing me to a camaraderie of intelligentsia that I had never encountered before. That experience drove me to pursue a trajectory of excellence in my subsequent education and training. Furthermore, by allowing me attain leadership positions on campus, I saw that women could be leaders. I continued to assume those roles throughout my career which were traditionally held by males in the field of medicine.

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On the 18th-Welcome Back to Fall!

Welcome Back Happy Hour/On the 18th for Returning Grad Students, Young Alums, and Friends —

It’s here again–our monthly networking event this September will take place at St. Declan’s Well in University City. This will be a joint event with the Seven Sisters Club. Join us for good company and refreshments.

St. Declan’s Well, University City
Offers traditional Irish fare.

3131 Walnut Street
5:00pm – 7:00pm
POINT PEOPLE: Kate and Emily.

Look for a Smith College Club of Philly table tent and you will have found us!