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Munich, Germany | November 1-3, 2024
17th Mount Holyoke European Alumnae Symposium
The arts and socio-political change: A powerful interplay at the heart of democracy
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.
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.
Week-end Overview
The main events will take place at the Katholische Akademie Bayern (KAB), warmly welcoming all denominations, 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, followed by Milk & Cookies!
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.
Our inspiring speakers and panellists will be announced in the spring. Blocks of rooms will be reserved at nearby hotels for your convenience. Of course, you are free to choose any other option as well. Registration will begin in early June. Financial support for alums of all generations may be available upon request.
Make your plans to join us November 1-3 in Germany! Our team is working full steam ahead to deliver another amazing symposium.
To help us finalize plans considering your interests and needs, if you would be interested in attending, kindly fill out this 1-minute survey.
We look forward to hearing from you and to seeing you in Munich next 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
More information to follow, watch this space!
Our Most Recent Symposium: 2022: The Hague
Held October 14-15-16, 2022 in The Hague, Netherlands
Alums in the Netherlands, led by Georgia Regnault ’64, did an incredible job welcoming all participants to this amazing event!
The symposium brought together 149 alums, current students, and guests, who participated in discussions around the theme “Building a More Just Society”. Among the attendees were Mount Holyoke alums living in over 15 European countries, as well as in the US, Asia and the Middle East.
Previous Symposia
European Alumnae Symposia have been held in the following cities:
1987: London
1990: Salzburg
1993: Rome
1995: Paris
1997: Amsterdam
1999: Munich
2002: Sevilla
2004: Dublin
2007: Geneva
2009: Oxford
2011: Turin
2013: Warsaw
2015: Leuven
2017: Riga
2019: Athens/ Fougaro
2021: Istanbul (virtual)
2022: The Hague
2024: Munich (upcoming, November 1-3, 2024)