Pulteney Street Survey

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PULTENEY STREET SURVEY - Spring 2019

Strauss '64 Honored at Founder's Day

Susan Strauss '64

Susan Strauss '64

The HWS community gathered in November to mark the 110th celebration of Founder's Day, the anniversary of the signing of the deed of gift that established William Smith College. At the event, Susan Strauss '64 was presented with the William Smith Alumnae Association's highest honor, the Alumna Achievement Award.

The award recognizes William Smith graduates who, by reason of outstanding accomplishments in their particular businesses, professions or community service, have brought honor and distinction to their alma mater.

Strauss spent her career, both in and out of government, devoted to social change and social justice. For several years after graduation she worked to bring together people in opposition to the Vietnam War. Strauss then developed a lifelong interest in learning about and researching women in the world of work. She was a pioneer in what was once considered a job for men, employed as a skilled machinist making jet engines at General Electric in Lynn, Mass. She was active in the labor union movement, helping to bring about needed change for workers. During retirement, she has taught classes on the experiences of women in blue-collar jobs, women rising to leadership roles in labor unions, and the historical fight for women's equality, all seen through the lenses of class, gender and protest.

A strong believer in the importance of helping future students attend HWS, Strauss established the Susan R. Strauss '64 Endowed Scholarship Fund.

One of the oldest William Smith traditions, Founder's Day brings together students, alums, administrators and faculty members to celebrate the establishment of William Smith College and the achievements of its students and graduates. Student speaker Sophie Ritter '20 noted that Founder's Day, "is a chance to reflect on this place and the opportunities, successes and discoveries women have made here for more than a century."