It is exciting and also fitting that the first contribution come not from one of us, but from a current Smith student. The following was posted on the student website, "The Daily Jolt" Saturday night (May 22nd) and was sent to us by our dear friend and supporter, the eagle-eyed Laurie Benoit, who was then our class Advancement Office Liaison. In Laurie's words: "It refers to the performance by Helen Hooke's ('69) band, which was a huge hit on Saturday night! The student speaks eloquently about what it means to be a Smith alum, which I just had to share (below). If you think it's worthwhile, maybe it should go up on the website. Here you go."

(nb: Helen Hooke just sent the picture below, so NOW those of you who missed it can see why the current students would have been excited. What a great looking group. By the way, check out Helen's website by clicking here. Maybe you can hire her band to play for your next party or function.)

Helen Hooke, Class of '69, and her band the Femmes: back row: l to r: Rachelle Garniez, keyboard & vocals;
Elizabeth Rose, lead guitar & vocals. front row: l to r: Colleen McDonough, percussion & vocals;
Dori Rhodes, Bass & vocals; Helen Hooke, violin, guitar & vocals; Linda Geiger, drums

"Wow, if you're on smith campus, go to the campus center now!!! this alumnae band, the femmes, is playing, and not only are they amazing, but all of the alumnae are gettin' down!!! it's so adorable, they're all dancing and having a great time and not caring what they look like....so refreshing to see that they can still have fun!!! the band is so amazing, too, i can't believe the one guitarist...i thought she was like '99, then i saw her up close and realized she was much, much, older...she just had so much energy!    can you tell i thought it was awesome???
 
anyways, i just want to say that it's been so much fun being here for reunion, and i am so proud to be going to a school that has such intelligent, wonderful, FUN alumnae!!!

i know that sometimes we all get frustrated, especially with all of the stuff this year, but reunion has really made me realize that smith is so much MORE than just this year, this budget....it's all about the awesome smith women, and the tradition that we're carrying on. it's just so cool.
 
:o) it's one of those moments when i'm really proud to be a smithie."

Nothing we can say tops that! Ah, the beauty and exuberance of youth...theirs and ours!