Bryn Mawr College

Lauren Bacall and Blythe Danner captivated an audience of more than 500 alumnae and friends of Bryn Mawr College as they accepted the inaugural Katharine Hepburn Medals from President Nancy J. Vickers at a gala celebration of the launch of the College's Katharine Houghton Hepburn Center at Philadelphia 's Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts on Sept. 9, 2006. Center Planning Director Michelle Francl announced the inauguration of the Hepburn Fellows Program, and six Bryn Mawr seniors spoke about Katharine Hepburn's impact on their lives.

The awards ceremony, hosted with enormous verve and good humor by ABC Nightline anchor Cynthia McFadden, was the capstone of a full slate of events that took place over the weekend, including a concert by Dar Williams, panel discussions of women's health issues by distinguished experts and a talk about the Houghton Hepburn women's legacy by actress-writer Katharine Houghton, the niece of Katharine Hepburn '28 and granddaughter of Katharine Houghton, Class of 1899.

The schedule of the weekend's events follow. A menu at right offers links to photos and video clips of the event.

Friday, Sept. 8, Bryn Mawr College

Panel Discussion
Crafting Policy to Improve Women’s Health
2 – 4 p.m., Thomas Great Hall

Reception and Dinner
5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Wyndham (rain location for reception: Thomas Great Hall)

Concert
Dar Williams
7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Goodhart Theater
Post-concert Q&A with the audience

Saturday, Sept. 9, Bryn Mawr College and the Kimmel Center

Panel Discussion
Reproduction and the Law
10 a.m. – Noon, Goodhart Theater

Closing Luncheon with Guest Speaker Katharine Houghton
12:30 – 2 p.m., Thomas Great Hall

Katharine Houghton Hepburn Center Gala (black tie)
The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia

     VIP Reception
6 p.m., Comcast Circle

     Reception
6:30 p.m., Commonwealth Plaza

     Program
7:30 p.m., Verizon Hall
Mistress of Ceremonies: Cynthia McFadden

      • Video tribute to Katharine Hepburn

      • Awarding of the Katharine Hepburn Medal to Lauren Bacall and Blythe Danner

     Dinner
8:30 p.m., Tiers overlooking Commonwealth Plaza