Economist Juliet Schor Speaks on Benefits of Four-Day Workweek in Second Point/Counterpoint Event

Schor connected ideas from her research linking work culture and climate change to advocate for a four-day workweek at the second iteration of the semester's Point/Counterpoint series.

Students Rally in the Wake of Trump’s Victory

At a rally on the quad on Friday, students shared outrage over Trump’s victory and fear about the implications of his second term, while also calling for resistance and hope.

The Up-And-Coming Bug-Crazy Explorer — Alumni Profile, James Colwell ’20

With an acute curiosity for nature and a love for insects, James Colwell ’20 has already found his place among scientists, just four years after his graduation.

Access to Amherst Students Reflect on Demographic Changes in Largest Cohort Yet

Students hosted high school seniors for what the admissions department said was its largest ever in-person Access to Amherst program. The Student spoke with participants about how their perceptions of Amherst were affected by the recent drop in Black enrollment and the end of affirmative action.

Jones Library Renovation Project Sparks Intense Debate

The costly and lengthy process to renovate Amherst’s downtown library has been subject to delays and debate. Some are calling for the project to end, while others think the renovation will increase its value to the community.

Amherst-Pelham Regional School District Appoints New Superintendent

Dr. E. Xiomara Herman will start as superintendent of the Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools (APRS) July 1, following contract negotiations. She comes to western Massachusetts by way of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, amidst unrest in APRS and the former superintendent’s resignation.

New Dining Director Starts Work in Val

Dining Director Bill Connor is already making changes in the dining hall, rolling out a new and expanded seating arrangement this week. He also has his sights set on the college’s new dining hall, which will open in the fall of 2026.

Six First Years Secure Jenkins Suite at Revamped Lip Sync Competition

The lip sync competition, long a campus tradition, returned from a pandemic hiatus. Four groups of performers competed for the first pick in the suite selection process.

Students Participate in “Democracy” Speaking Competition

Covering topics ranging from generative AI to book bans, eight students took to the Johnson Chapel stage for the Writing Center’s annual speaking competition. This year’s theme was democracy.

Panels, Tailgates, and Barbershops: Black Alumni Weekend Unites Community

Black Alumni Weekend was in the fall rather than spring this year, planned in collaboration between Black Student Union and the Amherst Society of Black Alumni, and featured a wide array of events.

Social Impact Careers Panel Celebrates 60 Years Since JFK Speech

As part of its broader celebration of President John F. Kennedy’s 1963 speech at Frost Library, the college hosted a panel of alumni who have pursued social impact careers. Kennedy’s speech commended the College’s commitment to public service.

John Lithgow Speaks at Johnson Chapel Jones Library Fundraiser

The actor, songwriter, and author John Lithgow spoke at Johnson Chapel at a Sept. 30 fundraiser for the renovation of the town of Amherst’s Jones Library. He read from his work, entertained with humorous stories, and extolled the value of local libraries.

Writing Center, Office of Sustainability Find New Homes

The completion of the Lyceum set off a chain of moves across campus. The Writing Center and the newly-formed Strategic Learning Center now occupy the second floor of Frost, while the Office of Sustainability has set up shop in Charles Pratt.

Interdisciplinary Artist Discusses Integrating Art and Science

Artist Janani Balasubramanian spoke to a group of students and staff about their work crafting large-scale, immersive exhibitions that integrate art and science on Thursday, May 4.

New Members of AAS E-Board Envision Year Ahead

The Student sat down with newly-elected members of the Association of Amherst Students’ executive board to ask them about their plans and hopes for the upcoming semester.

CS Majors Troubled By Tech Layoffs

Companies such as Amazon, Twitter, and Microsoft — popular targets for students interested in a programming career — have heavily downsized this year. The Student spoke with computer science majors and Loeb Center staff to document how the campus is adapting to big tech cuts.

AAS Hears Findings on College’s Connections to Slavery

A researcher hired by the college to examine Amherst’s racial history and economic ties to slavery up to and through the 1860s, Mike Jirik, outlined highlights of his findings thus far at the regular meeting of The Association of Amherst Students (AAS) on Feb. 27.

Panel, Exhibitions, Dinners Highlight Black History Month

This February, students, faculty, and staff have collaborated on events ranging from keynote speakers to art festivals, all with the common goal of celebrating Amherst’s Black community.

Mead Art Museum Reopens After Steeple Repairs

On Tuesday, Jan. 31, under the leadership of its new director Siddhartha V. Shah, the Mead Art Museum opened its doors to the general public for the first time in nearly three years. In addition to Covid shutdowns, the Mead was forced to close again in March 2022 for repairs to the Stearns Steeple.

Class of ’23E Looks Back on Unusual College Experience

The graduation ceremony for the Class of 2023E will be held in Johnson Chapel on Sunday, Dec. 11. Members of the abnormally large class reminisce on their college experience, reflecting on their first years, the pandemic, and favorite professors.

On Veterans Day, Former Service Members Reflect on Amherst Experience

Friday, Nov. 11, was Veterans Day, a federal holiday that usually receives little attention on campus. For Amherst’s veterans, though, the holiday provides an important moment of recognition. The Student spoke to four students about how being a veteran impacts their experience at the college.

Contra Article “In Defense of Hamas” Draws Criticism

During the week of Oct. 16, The Amherst Contra sparked controversy with a piece titled “In Defense of Hamas.” The article was shared widely online, and prompted responses from students and administration alike.

MRC Hosts Queer Latinx Author Gabby Rivera for Latinx Heritage Month

On Thursday, Sept. 22, the Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) hosted prominent queer Puerto Rican author and activist Gabby Rivera in Johnson Chapel as its keynote speaker for Latinx Heritage Month.