September 3, 2024
Ruth Stubblefield Simmons, Waddell Scholar at Wellesley who became a professor, university president, and author of Up Home: One Girl's Journey, in conversation with Cynthia Yenkin Levinson, teacher and policy specialist who is now a non-fiction author of books for young people.
Zoom recording (.mp4 file)
December 4, 2024
A Life in the Performing Arts
Cecil MacKinnon, whose career was in theater and circus, in conversation with Terry Pristin, journalist and political activist.
Zoom recording (.mp4 file)
Bonus! THE CIRCUS ACCORDING TO CECIL https://vimeo.com/89053448
THE CIRCUS ACCORDING TO CECIL follows ringmaster and clown Cecil MacKinnon as she directs A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS IN WALES, co-produced by Circus Flora and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Through the eyes of one talented and opinionated artist, much is revealed about the collaboration among music, circus, and theater artists; about the roots of American circus; and about the extended family of Circus Flora.
January 15, 2025
Good News to Start the Year: Hope for Endangered Species
Linda Riebel, who has studied endangered species and efforts to save them, in conversation with Maxi Gaffen, former Deputy Assistant Public Defender for Connecticut and active pro bono lawyer.
Zoom recording (.mp4 file)
See also Linda's pictures of endangered species (.pdf file)
For a list of organizations worthy of support, contact Linda at linda.riebel@earthlink.net .
March 25, 2025
Wellesley Centers for Women: 50th Anniversary Update!
Kathy Stone Kaufmann, whose parents founded the WCW, introduced Georgia Hall, WCW's Interim Executive Director. Georgia in turn facilitated a discussion with Linda Charmaraman, Senior Research Scientist, and with students who have been in the Class of 1967 Internship Program at WCW.
Zoom recording (.mp4 file)
More information about WCW (.pdf file)
May 22, 2025
Should I Really Dust Off My Old College Books?
Anne Hall, English professor who recently published Where the Muses Still Haunt and is a proponent of re-reading great books, in conversation with Susan Harmon, public radio executive and member of the Wellesley College Board of Trustees.
Zoom recording (.mp4 file)
Anne Hall's essay about David Ferry, inspiring professor at Wellesley (.pdf file)
Frank Bruni's New York Times articles inspired by Anne Hall:
- February 11, 2015 (.pdf file)
- February 18, 2015 (.pdf file)
In keeping with the Conversation theme, and at Anne's suggestion, here are Linda Riebel's essays, inspired by reading Shakespeare:
- "Beatrice's Awakening" (.pdf file)
- "The Recollections of Heminges and Condell" (.pdf file)
Books suggested by Anne Hall and attendees (.pdf file)