Discovering the notable alumni from Smith College can ignite your passion for what’s possible after graduation. This women’s liberal arts powerhouse in Northampton, Massachusetts, has produced trailblazers across fields, earning high marks in key categories. We rate achievements on a scale of 10 stars based on impact, recognition, and inspiration drawn from verified graduates like Julia Child (BA 1934, culinary icon who revolutionized American cooking with her TV show and books), Gloria Steinem (BA 1956, feminist leader and co-founder of Ms. magazine), Sylvia Plath (BA 1955, acclaimed poet and novelist), and filmmaker Amy Heckerling (BA 1976, director of Clueless and Fast Times at Ridgemont High). These famous graduates of Smith College showcase the college’s legacy of empowering women.
These ratings highlight Smith College’s strengths in fostering influential leaders and breakthroughs. For students eyeing Smith, emulate these paths by seeking mentors, interning early, and building networks—alumnae success proves the network endures. Job seekers, review higher ed career advice and local opportunities in Massachusetts. Visit Smith’s official alumnae page for more stories. Parents, note how Smith’s close-knit community propels graduates globally. With such role models, your future at Smith could be stellar—aim high!
Smith College alumni have made their mark in entertainment, particularly as actors, musicians, and composers, bringing innovative performances and creative works to global audiences. These figures highlight the college's tradition of nurturing artistic talent that influences film, television, music, and avant-garde arts.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julianne Nicholson | Actress | Art History | 1991 | Emmy-nominated actress known for her roles in Boardwalk Empire, August: Osage County, and Mare of Easttown. |
| Janel Moloney | Actress | 1991 | Actress best recognized for portraying Donna Moss on the television series The West Wing over seven seasons. | |
| Joanna Going | Actress | 1984 | Television and film actress notable for roles in House of Cards, Going All the Way, and The Langoliers. | |
| Elizabeth McGovern | Actress | unknown | Golden Globe-winning actress famous for Ordinary People, Ragtime, and her long-running role as Cora Crawley in Downton Abbey. | |
| Amy Sedaris | Actress and Comedian | unknown | Comedian, actress, and author celebrated for Strangers with Candy, The Book of Liz, and her humorous memoirs. | |
| Laurie Anderson | Musician and Performance Artist | Art | 1969 | Avant-garde artist, composer, and musician renowned for multimedia performances like United States and the song O Superman. |
| Julia Wolfe | Composer | 1982 | Pulitzer Prize-winning composer known for orchestral works such as Anthracite Fields and her role with Bang on a Can. | |
| Jessica Andrews | Country Singer | 2001 | Country music artist who rose to fame with her hit single Who I Am from the album of the same name. |
Smith College alumni have excelled in U.S. politics, including members of Congress and state governors, with categories focusing on U.S. leaders; few international figures and no royalty or nobility noted. These graduates have shaped American policy through legislative service, executive leadership, and public administration, demonstrating the college's influence on governance and civic engagement.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martha Layne Collins | Governor of Kentucky | English | 1959 | First woman to serve as Governor of Kentucky from 1983 to 1987, championing education reform and economic development initiatives. |
| Jo Ann Emerson | U.S. Representative | Government | 1975 | Served as U.S. Representative for Missouri's 8th district from 1996 to 2013, focusing on agriculture, transportation, and rural issues. |
| Edith Nourse Rogers | U.S. Representative | attended c. 1905 | Longest-serving female member of Congress until 1993, representing Massachusetts from 1925 to 1960 and co-authoring the G.I. Bill of Rights. | |
| Alice Rivlin | Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve | Economics | 1952 | Economist who served as the first director of the Congressional Budget Office and Federal Reserve Vice Chair, influencing fiscal policy. |
| Susan P. Crawford | Special Assistant to the President for Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy | Political Science | 1984 | Obama administration official advising on technology policy and internet governance issues. |
| Jill Ruckelshaus | Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency | 1956 | Key figure in environmental policy during the Nixon and Ford administrations, advancing women's rights in government. | |
| Mame Veiga | U.S. Ambassador to Chad | 1972 | Career diplomat serving as U.S. Ambassador to Chad and in other international roles. |
Although Smith College is primarily known for its distinguished alumnae in fields like academia, arts, and public service, a small number of individuals associated with the institution have gained notoriety for criminal activities in the United States.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amy Bishop | Professor | unknown | Neurobiologist who attended Smith College briefly before transferring and later carried out a 2010 mass shooting at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, killing three colleagues and injuring three others. |
