During the 2025–26 academic year, Wellesley will celebrate its 150th anniversary with gatherings that bring our community together. These events will honor the College’s legacy of leadership and progress while addressing the ideas, challenges, and opportunities that will shape the next 150 years.
Events Wellesley at 150
Shaping the Future: Presidents Reflect on Higher Education
As part of Reunion 2026 and the culmination of Wellesley’s 150th anniversary celebration, this special panel brings together distinguished alumnae who have served as college and university presidents. Featuring President Paula A. Johnson, Alecia A. DeCoudreaux ’76, Nannerl “Nan” Overholser Keohane ’61, and Diana Chapman Walsh ’66, and moderated by Robin Sparkman ’91, the conversation will explore the evolving challenges facing higher education and reaffirm the enduring value of a liberal arts education in shaping future leaders.
Women Leading the Way
President Paula A. Johnson delivered opening remarks before a panel of distinguished Wellesley alumnae—Ophelia Dahl ’94, Pamela A. Melroy ’83, and Mfoniso Udofia ’06—took the stage at Lincoln Center as part of Wellesley College’s 150th anniversary celebration. Moderated by Joey Cole ’99, the conversation explored today’s most pressing challenges and examined how Wellesley’s legacy continues to inspire leadership and impact across fields.
Wellesley at 150 Celebration During Friends & Family Weekend
In October, over Friends and Family Weekend, we honored 150 years of educating women who make a difference in the world with the Alumnae Achievement Award presentation, faculty- and alumnae-led panels, concerts, and varsity and club sports, as well as Wellesley trivia, treats, and traditions. Nearly 400 alumnae joined us for this very special celebration.
Reunion 2025
We were excited to welcome back classes ending in 0 and 5! Alumnae reconnected with classmates and experienced everything new on campus. Activities included class gatherings, faculty lectures, a College update from President Paula Johnson, an alumnae panel celebrating Wellesley at 150, a Commencement Exercise for the Class of 2020, departmental open houses and tours, shared identity group open houses, the Alumnae Parade, and more.
The Power of Presence: Leadership Across Generations and Borders
In March, more than 180 guests gathered at Asia Society Hong Kong to celebrate Wellesley’s 150th anniversary. President Paula A. Johnson and distinguished alumnae reflected on leadership, community, and Wellesley’s enduring mission to advance gender equity.
Event highlights
Watch and listen to recorded highlights from recent 150th events.
We the People: Finding Common Purpose Summit Highlights
Hosted by the Hillary Rodham Clinton Center for Citizenship, Leadership, and Democracy, this summit brought together an all-star group of policymakers, artists, scholars, and faith leaders who discussed ways to foster connection and to find common purpose across political and other divides.
Opening Ceremony, Wellesley at 150
President Paula A. Johnson opened the Wellesley at 150 Celebration During Friends & Family Weekend with reflections on Wellesley’s past and shared her vision for the College’s future.
Women Leading Change
The 2025 Alumnae Achievement Award recipients, Sue Wagner ’82, Karen Grigsby Bates ’73, and Jocelyn Benson ’99, addressed how they define leadership, share their vision, and identify opportunities for positive impact in these complex times. Moderated by Tatiana Ivy Moise ’21, immediate past young alumnae trustee.
Facing the Climate Crisis
Provost Courtney C. Coile delivered opening remarks that highlighted 150 years of faculty and curricular innovation at Wellesley, as well as how the College is preparing the next generation to lead through the pressing issues of our time. Next, professors Rachel Stanley, Rebecca Belisle, and Alden Griffith gathered for a discussion on climate change, moderated by Paulina Ponce de Leon Barido '05, trustee.
Written by Wellesley: Composers & Lyricists Throughout the Ages
Sponsored by the Wellesley 150th Community Fund, this concert highlighted the diverse musical contributions of Wellesley alumnae and honored their rich legacy. The program featured works spanning generations—from Katharine Lee Bates, class of 1880, and Katherine Kennicott Davis, class of 1914, to today’s students.
From Sea to Shining Sea
Filmmaker John de Graaf and Katharine Lee Bates biographer Melinda Ponder ’66, discussed the documentary From Sea to Shining Sea: Katharine Lee Bates and the Story of “America the Beautiful.” Kathryn Lynch, Katharine Lee Bates and Sophie Chantal Hart Professor of English, moderated.
Singing America the Beautiful
At the conclusion of the panel discussion, the Tupelos sang “America the Beautiful.”
A musical greeting outside the tent
A brass band and Haitian drums performed by students and faculty welcomed guests to the Wellesley at 150 celebration. Guests were also treated to trivia, prizes, and classic Wellesley desserts.
Selfie booth under the tent
Guests enjoyed dressing up in costumes and taking photos at the selfie booth during the Wellesley at 150 tent festivities.
Distinguished Faculty Lecture
Peggy Levitt, professor of sociology and the Mildred Lane Kemper Chair of Sociology, presented “Move Over, Mona Lisa: Reimagining What We Read, Look at, and Learn” on November 5. An accomplished scholar, Professor Levitt’s current research examines cultural and intellectual inequality and transnational efforts to provide social welfare across borders.
Why the Arts Matter for Democracy
Why do the arts matter for democracy, and what happens to democracy when art disappears? Hear answers to these pressing questions during this year’s combined Caroline A. Wilson ’10 and Betsy Wood Knapp ’64 Lecture, a discussion between Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, and Emily Wei Rales ’98, director and co-founder of the contemporary art museum Glenstone.
In Conversation with Suzanne Ciani ’68
Chaewon Han ’29 spoke with synth icon Suzanne Ciani ’68 during Ciani’s visit to Wellesley College to participate in ARTS150—a collaboration between the Davis Museum and the Wellesley music department. Ciani’s collection of photographs by Ilse Bing are on exhibit at the museum and her music can be heard in a special “sound lounge” exhibit there as well.
Flower Sunday
Dating back to 1875, Flower Sunday is the oldest tradition at Wellesley College. This year was a special 150th anniversary event.
Wellesley at 150: A Force for Change
At reunion weekend, this celebratory panel—moderated by WCAA President Stephanie Hsieh ’89 and featuring Dr. In-Ho Lee ’60, Regina Montoya ’75, and Kisha Brown ’00—explored the impact of Wellesley alumnae on public service, diplomacy, law, and civil rights. The panelists reflected on how Wellesley shaped their paths and offered insights for future generations.
Class of 2020 celebrates commencement at reunion weekend
Over 300 of the 569 members of the red class of 2020 returned to Wellesley on reunion weekend for their long-deferred but joyous official commencement exercises.
Mentorship, leadership, and resilience in an interconnected world
In honor of Women’s History Month and Wellesley’s 150th, the Asia Society Hong Kong hosted a panel discussion, “the Power of Presence: Leadership Across Generations and Borders.” President Johnson delivered opening remarks, while alumnae Lulu C. Wang ’66, Jinqing Cai ’91, and Stephanie Lo ’04 joined the panel discussion, moderated by CNN’s Kristie Lu Stout.