The below message was sent to faculty, staff, and students on September 30, 2026.
Dear Bryn Mawr Community,
I love walking across campus and listening to everyone's voices – talking, singing, cheering, questioning, and laughing. Try listening to this short recording. Can you keep a straight face? Our voices are as distinctive as our fingerprints, and our laughter is contagious.
I have been reflecting on the vibrant, rich, never-ending conversation that is Bryn Mawr. Impressions from just the last few weeks: writing center instructors talking over lunch; peer tutors chatting at a welcome event; an office-hours conversation with a senior seeking networking advice; a catch-up with a returning student about her summer archaeology fieldwork.
I thought of these conversations – and hundreds more – when we hosted prospective undergraduates on Monday for our fall open house. Despite the challenging weather, we had 234 guests on campus. My thanks for all the ways you welcomed these students and families. Hearing their laughter and excitement helps all of us see this remarkable place anew.
I will close with a call back to laughter – specifically, the upcoming "Women Laughing" film and panel event celebrating women cartoonists and Bryn Mawr's fascinating history with The New Yorker. It takes place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at Goodhart's McPherson Auditorium. I look forward to seeing you there.
Wendy
Wendy Cadge
President and Professor of Sociology
Bryn Mawr College
101 N. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Pronouns: she/her
brynmawr.edu
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