Stories from the Fall 2019 issue of Amherst magazine

“I Have to Honor It All”

From concentration camp liberator to Amherst chaplain to therapist: How Thayer Greene ’50 witnessed atrocity, rediscovered faith and still counsels others at age 93.


Leaping to Mind

Nuar Alsadir ’92 talks with fellow poet Tess Taylor ’00 about dance, psychoanalysis and writing in the “fourth person singular.”


She Helps the State Fight Hate

Deborah “D.J.” Williams ’20 was appointed by Gov. Charlie Baker to advocate for the youth of Massachusetts on the Task Force on Hate Crimes.


Q&A: Professor Pawan Dhingra

The American studies professor is completing a book on the growth of extracurricular academics—specifically, math enrichment programs and competitive spelling bees.


Essay: Road Trip with Rescue Dog

A tattered copy of Steinbeck’s Travels with Charley inspires Peter Zheutlin ’75’s travels with Albie.


Books: Debut Novels About Philosophy Professors

Makena Onjerika ’10 reviews The Study of Animal Languages, by Lindsay Stern ’13, while former visiting writer Amity Gaige reviews A Philosophy of Ruin, by Nicholas Mancusi ’10. Both novels are about professors at liberal arts colleges.


Sports: The First Champs

Teammates look back on 1999, when women’s tennis took Amherst by surprise. “That win,” says Director of Athletics Don Faulstick, “set the standard for years to come.”


Contest: A Milestone Math Quiz

Want a chance to win an Amherst T-shirt? Answer Roger Turton ’71’s three questions about the relationship between age and class year. Take the quiz!


Join an Amherst Tradition

Amherst and Williams competed in their first football game in 1884 and have played the “Biggest Little Game in America” ever since. For as long as technology has allowed, alumni, parents and friends in faraway places have gathered to tune into the game via radio, cable or satellite. Join one of Amherst's longest-standing traditions and find a Watch Party near you for this year’s match-up on Saturday, Nov. 9. Go, Amherst!


Alumni Colloquium

An Amherst education doesn’t end with graduation. Visit campus November 15–16 for our Alumni Colloquium, a liberal arts experience steeped in Amherst history for alumni, parents and students.