The Heart of Smith 2020

Construction of the new Neilson, designed by renowned designer Maya Lin, began in October 2017. Her vision incorporates the original 1909 facade into a new, re-imagined complex that will serve as an intellectual commons. The project is expected to be completed in April 2021.

As the academic heart of the campus, Neilson Library advances and celebrates learning, benefiting all who come to Smith. The new Neilson will not only be an innovative and beautiful campus building but also a space that meets educational needs today—and in the future.

Among its new features are:

• The Digital Media Hub and two recording studios, where students can work on multimedia projects
• The Skyline Reading Room on the fourth floor, with a catering kitchen and outdoor patio
• Larger aisles in the stacks so that people in wheelchairs can turn around, rather than have to back out
• A sunken garden and outdoor amphitheater space
• An interior walkway connecting the new Neilson with Alumnae Gym, where additional learning spaces—including experimental studios, the User Experience Lab, a reading room and computer lab—will be open 24/7.

Your support matters now more than ever. We know many are not in a position to give at this time, but if you are able, will you please help?

All gifts, regardless of size, make a difference in the lives of current Smithies.

In case you missed it: Read Smith's Culture of Care Plan

As President McCartney said, remote learning for the fall semester will allow Smith to "focus on what Smith does best—teaching and learning, supporting and caring for one another, and continuing to do good work in and for the world."

To directly support students now, consider designating your gift to the Student Emergency Aid Fund or the Emergency Fund for Students of Color.

The Student Emergency Aid Fund is administered by the Office of the Dean of the College, and supports student needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. For Fall 2020, the Student Emergency Aid Fund will support critical student needs such as broadband access, emergency airfare expenses, and the shipping of textbooks. It is a current-use fund--the full amount of your gift will support student needs immediately.

The Emergency Fund for Students of Color is administered by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and supports emergency needs of students of color. This fund was started by Black alumnae from the Class of 1974 in 2001, and is an endowed fund--your gift will add to the endowed fund and earnings on the endowment will be spent each year. Areas of support include needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as medical/dental care, eyeglasses, medications and travel for urgent family matters.