Registration is NOW OPEN!
The Mount Holyoke Alumnae Group of Germany is delighted to invite you to the 17th Mount Holyoke European Alumnae Symposium, which is scheduled to take place in Munich on November 1-3, 2024, with optional tours and events starting on Thursday, October 31.
The event will offer participants an exciting opportunity for social and intellectual interaction with Mount Holyoke alums and students from all over the world. Home to a wide array of museums, theatres and other cultural institutions, the city of Munich sets the stage for an engaging discussion on the question of cultural freedom then and now, both locally and globally.
The arts are a powerful means of generating dialogue, raising awareness of issues, and driving change in the way we see the world. Yet time and time again, we observe how they can be squashed or used by dictatorships, religious fundamentalism, xenophobia, and other crises, like cancel culture and identity politics. Our democracy hinges on preserving our freedom of expression and giving society a voice in defining our culture. How the arts are made accessible through various means will make for an engaging platform for this event.
Weekend overview:
The main events will take place at the Katholische Akademie Bayern (KAB) along the Englische Garten of Munich, a short walk from public transportation.
Thursday, October 31 (optional): Night at the opera or at a historic jazz club
Friday, November 1: Various options for exploring Munich together, according to personal preferences, such as visiting several of Munich’s most acclaimed museums, architectural gems, brewery tour and beer tasting, pretzel making workshop, and more. Note that stores are closed that day as it is All Saints Day, but most museums and restaurants are open. As participants, you all come together for a buffet dinner at a nearby venue (learn more here)
Saturday, November 2: A full day of presentations and discussions led by international experts and alums. Sessions will range from keynote speakers to panel discussions in the morning, buffet lunch onsite with the opportunity to mingle, smaller discussion groups in the afternoon, and a lead-in for Sunday’s program. The day will close with a festive dinner and a silent auction.
Sunday, November 3: Interactive session with high-profile representation from South Hadley regarding the College, followed by workshops where you as a participant can pitch topics for discussion, and those topics that garner the most votes go forward with a lively exchange. We will wrap up the event by 1 pm.
Learn more before you register…
- View the full symposium program here and learn about the optional events on Thursday and Friday here
- We have inspiring speakers and panellists joining us – learn more about them here!
- Blocks of rooms have been reserved at nearby hotels for your convenience. Discover where to stay here
- Awards and financial support for alums of all generations may be available – learn more about how to apply here
We look forward to hearing from you and to seeing you in Munich this fall!
Catherine Jourdan ‘95
On behalf of The Mount Holyoke Alumnae Group of Germany
For more information: mhc.munich.2024@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram: @mhc.european.alumnae.council