Saturday, Oct. 24

6:30 - 11:30 a.m. Lowry Center Shuttle Service

A free shuttle will run between the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Lowry Center.

8 - 8:30 a.m Morning Swim, Relays with the Team

James A. Steen Aquatic Center, Lowry Center 

8:45 - 9:15 a.m. Breakfast with the Swim Team

Pre-registration is required. Lowry Center 237

9 - 10 a.m. Sound Bath with Zenergy Sound Therapy

Experience the calming and restorative power of sound during a sound bath led by Michele, owner of Zenergy Sound Therapy. Through soothing vibrations and therapeutic tones, this session invites you to slow down, relax and reconnect with yourself. Whether you are new to sound therapy or a longtime participant, this immersive experience offers a peaceful opportunity to reduce stress and find balance. Limited to 25 participants. Sign-up for this program will be shared with conference attendees in the fall. Lowry Center 221

9:30 - 10:30 a.m. History of Women’s Swimming and Diving 

Join retired Coach Jim Steen and Lords and Ladies Alumni Head Coach, Owls Swimming and Diving Jess Book ’01. Lowry Center, Beulah Kahler Theater (second floor)

9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Plein-Air Watercolor with Wendy Fetters

Relax and enjoy a creative morning with watercolor painting. Drop in to pick up supplies and paint at your own pace or stay awhile and create alongside others. No experience is necessary — all skill levels are welcome. Supplies will be provided to the first 60 attendees. The session will be led by Wendy Fetters, veteran artist and champion of the Brown Family Environmental Center. Alumni Dining Room and patio, Peirce Hall (lower level)

9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Social Effects of Climate Change 

Ascension 220, Philomathesian Hall

Featuring:

• Colette Pichon Battle ’97 H’18, climate activism and disaster recovery
• Sarah Dougherty ’11, renewable energy
• Kate Boicourt ’06. New York State director at Environmental Defense Fund
• Lisa Schott ’80, former managing director of the Philander Chase Conservancy (moderator)

*Staff from the Philander Chase Conservancy, Kenyon's land trust, will be tabling at this session. Kenyon is the only college or university in the country to establish its own land trust for the express purpose of protecting the College's sense of place. In its 25-year history, the conservancy has protected over 6,000 acres of land within a five-mile radius of Kenyon.

11 a.m. - noon. Keynote Address: Never Ever Give Up featuring Diana Nyad

Diana Nyad takes the audience on a dramatic journey into the vast, dangerous ocean between Cuba and Florida, conveying the power of the human spirit that was behind her historic crossing, becoming the first and only person in history to swim non-stop the 110.86 miles in 52 hours, 54 minutes. This is not a sports story. It’s a story of the refusal to give up, the unwavering commitment to pursue perhaps impossible dreams, the courage to fail by drilling down to one’s true grit, even if the journey does not end at the final destination. Rosse Hall

12:15 - 1:30 p.m. Lunch Recognizing the Impact of Women at Kenyon

All conference participants are invited to join President Julie Kornfeld in this sit-down luncheon with brief remarks to explore the impact and legacy of Kenyon women, on the world and the College. Gund Commons Ballroom

1 p.m. Women’s Volleyball vs. DePauw

Lowry Center

1 p.m. Women’s Soccer vs. DePauw

Mavec Field

1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Sisterhood Roundtable Discussion

Join alumni and current students for meaningful conversations centered on personal growth, leadership, mentorship and shared experiences. Through guided discussion and open dialogue, participants will build connections, exchange perspectives and strengthen the intergenerational network that defines Sisterhood. This intimate and collaborative setting is designed to encourage mentorship, inspire confidence and create space for honest conversation about navigating academic, personal and professional journeys. The roundtable serves as a powerful opportunity for students to learn from alumni experiences while alumni reconnect with the mission and future of Sisterhood. Denniston Reading Room, Chalmers Library 303

1:30 - 2:30 p.m. By Design: Kenyon Makers on Building a Business

Entrepreneurs Elizabeth Karatz Faraut ’92, founder of LA LOOP, and Amy Peterson ’02, co-founder and CEO of Rebel Nell, will share stories about finding inspiration and turning it into purpose. Peterson was drawn to the idea of repurposing fallen graffiti into unique jewelry, and saw an opportunity to not only create beautiful pieces but also to address social issues. Faraut turned a common problem of misplacing reading glasses into an elegant jewelry solution. Liz Vitellaro ’97 will moderate. Archon Auditorium, Oden Hall

1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Moving through Dance History: An Interactive Workshop and Lecture

Join Willow Green ’21 and Professor of Dance Julie Brodie for a set series of movements, then guide through the improvisation sections from Kenyon’s dance program founder, Maggie Patton. Including a lecture based on their book “Dance, Notation, and Experiential Learning: Essays on the Legacy of Maggie Patton.” Accessible for all; no experience required. Wear comfortable clothing to move in. We will offer a guided warm up as well as accessible movement exploration. Shaffer (Bolton) Dance Studio

1:45 - 2:45 p.m. Distinguished Lecture: Ann Hamilton, hosted by The Gund

As part of its 15th anniversary celebration, “Where Ideas Begin,” The Gund is honored to welcome internationally acclaimed artist and Ohio native Ann Hamilton, presented in partnership with the Women’s Conference. For more than four decades, Hamilton has expanded the boundaries of contemporary art through an interdisciplinary practice that brings together installation, performance, text, sound and the human body. In this special lecture, Hamilton will reflect on the evolution of her work, the role of artistic research and the ways art can create spaces for connection, empathy and collective imagination, offering a rare opportunity to engage with one of the most influential artists of her generation. Community Foundation Theater, The Gund

2:45 - 3:45 p.m. Accountability, Accessibility and Advocacy: Perspectives on Health Moderated by President Julie Kornfeld

Women face unique challenges accessing quality healthcare in this country. Our expert panel, hosted by Kenyon Women Giving Back, will provide an interdisciplinary conversation about how to advocate for yourself or others, the challenges and biases inherent in our for-profit system and how to be a better consumer of information. Archon Auditorium, Oden Hall

Featuring: 

• Dr. Rebecca Dougherty ’96 P’29, physician advisor whose research explores the ways language in medicine perpetuate bias
• Dr. Karen (Scotty) Scott ’98, physician scientist and author who created the first and only validated Patient Reported Experience Measure of Obstetric Racism
• Ellen Stein ’13, epidemiologist researcher
• Dr. Maggie Somple ’99 pediatrician
• President Julie Kornfeld (moderator)

4 - 5 p.m. Life of Meaning: Noticing Happiness

Join psychology professors Laura A. King ’86 with the College of Arts and Sciences, University of Missouri, and Kenyon’s own Associate Professor of Psychology Leah Dickens for a positive conversation about how to recognize happiness and build a meaningful life. Community Foundation Theater, The Gund

4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Crozier Center Open House

Visit the Crozier Center for Women, a cornerstone of Kenyon's commitment to supporting and empowering women since its establishment in 1985. Meet the current Crozier House residents, learn about the center's programs and traditions, and discover how it continues to foster leadership, community and meaningful dialogue on campus. Enjoy light refreshments as you explore the space and connect with the people who make the Crozier Center such a vibrant part of the Kenyon community. 105 East Wiggin St.

6:30 p.m. Gala Dinner

Curated by Elizabeth Poett ’03, host and star of the Magnolia Network cooking and lifestyle show “Ranch to Table,” with contributions from alumnae in the hospitality, food and wine industries. Featuring local ingredients and in collaboration with the Kenyon Farm. (Ticket is included in your registration fee.) Location TBD

Featuring:

• Laura Baker Wilkinson ’99, owner, Little Water Cantina           
• Anna Bloom ’04, owner, Adaptogenic Chocolates
• Elana Carlson ’11, owner, NY Bagels
• Monica Lee ’16, owner, Spoonful Desserts
• Karen Demasco ’91, pastry chef, James Beard Award Winner
• Lettie Teague ’83, wine columnist, The Wall Street Journal
• Libby Wright ’05, owner, Glen Hill Orchards
• Christina LeStage White ’99, director of residential dining, Bennington College
• Caroline Hesse '14, cheesemonger

9 p.m. All Alumnae Sing

Led by Professor of Music Benjamin “Doc” Locke. Steps of Rosse Hall

10:30 p.m. Boots on the Ground with Sisterhood

Sisterhood invites all conference attendees and members of the Kenyon community to join in an evening of fun, music and connection at a lively line dancing social. Featuring Tina Vaughn Smith ’03, who will dust off her purple boots to lead the group through a series of line dancing favorites, this event is designed to bring people together in celebration and community. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or trying line dancing for the first time, all are welcome to participate, laugh and enjoy an energetic evening of fellowship and fun. Come ready to dance, connect and celebrate alongside the Sisterhood community. Peirce Pub