Noteworthy news from this year!

Meryl Streep accepts AAVC Distinguished Achievement Award - Oct. 26, 2022

Award-winning actress and Vassar alumna Meryl Streep ’71 accepted the Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College’s Distinguished Achievement Award on Oct. 13. The event included songs and speeches with Streep giving an impassioned address to students, faculty and alumnae/i alike in the crowded Vassar Chapel. The original ceremony was scheduled for April of 2022 but was rescheduled following a bout of pneumonia that impeded Streep’s attendance.

Vassar launches Fearlessly Consequential Campaign to raise $500 million - Oct. 26, 2022

In October 2022, Vassar College announced the launch of its new campaign entitled Fearlessly Consequential. It is the largest fundraising campaign to date, setting the ambitious goal of $500 million. The funds are intended to support financial aid, create a new Center for Multidisciplinary Studies, improve residential spaces on campus, grow the campus’ health and wellness resources and establish the new Institute for Liberal Arts, among other goals.

Community wins fight for on-campus polling site - Nov. 16, 2022

On the eve of the November 2022 Election Day, Vassar College gained a polling site after weeks of legal action. The polling site allowed students and faculty to vote on campus throughout future election days instead of going off-campus. The site will remain at Vassar indefinitely as long as Vassar maintains at least 300 registered voters.

VSA approves restructuring for 155th Session next fall - Jan. 25, 2023

The Vassar Student Association (VSA) officially passed its restructuring legislation which will reduce the number of members affiliated with the organization. Many hope this change will help make elections more competitive and ensure all VSA members are properly compensated for their work. The restructuring will take effect at the beginning of the 155th session in the fall.

Vassar test-optional policy elicits mixed reactions - April 27, 2023

Vassar College Admissions has abandoned its testing policy for all applicants beginning in the 2023 admissions cycle. This change reflects a trend of colleges and universities around the United States that are adopting test-optional admissions following the COVID-19 pandemic. While garnering support from current Vassar students, the decision received mixed reviews from online commenters.