Smith 1963 45th REUNION SURVEY
1. In which region of the U.S. or what foreign country is your main residence?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Northeast
57.1%124
Southeast
12.4%27
Midwest
6.0%13
South
2.3%5
Northwest
8.3%18
Southwest
9.2%20
view commentForeign Country (please specify)
4.6%10
 answered question217
 
skipped question
6
2. Where do you live?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
City
32.9%71
Suburb
36.6%79
Small town
19.9%43
Countryside or rural area
10.6%23
 answered question216
 
skipped question
7
3. Which of the following describes your main residence?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
House (own)
76.3%164
House (rent)
1.9%4
Apartment (own)
14.4%31
Apartment (rent)
5.1%11
view commentOther (please specify)
2.3%5
 answered question215
 
skipped question
8
4. Is your main residence different from 5 years ago?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes
23.5%51
No
76.5%166
 answered question217
 
skipped question
6
5. If you answered "Yes" to Question #4, for what reason(s) did you relocate?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Wanted a smaller or lower maintenance home
42.3%22
Wanted more space/amenities
13.5%7
Wanted more cultural/intellectual activities
7.7%4
Wanted a more relaxed/quieter lifestyle
7.7%4
To be near children or other family
19.2%10
For better climate
9.6%5
For work-related reasons
3.8%2
For financial reasons
13.5%7
To move to a retirement complex or community 0.0%0
Wanted to live in a different part of the country/world
1.9%1
view commentOther (please specify)
21.2%11
 answered question52
 
skipped question
171
6. If you answered "No" to Question #4, do you expect to move in the next 5 years?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes
10.2%17
Maybe
25.7%43
No
64.1%107
 answered question167
 
skipped question
56
7. In total, how many residences do you currently have?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
One
55.4%118
Two
35.2%75
view commentMore (how many)
9.4%20
 answered question213
 
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10
8. If you have more than one residence, how many of these residences do you OWN?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
None
3.9%4
One
9.8%10
Two
66.7%68
view commentMore (how many)
19.6%20
 answered question102
 
skipped question
121
9. What is your current marital status?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Married
71.5%153
Divorced/separated
14.0%30
Widowed
6.5%14
Single
7.9%17
 answered question214
 
skipped question
9
10. How many do you have? (please fill in number for options below)
 Response
Average
Response
Total
Response
Count
view commentChildren you gave birth to: 1.96386197
view commentAdopted children: 0.232192
view commentStepchildren: 1.019998
view commentGrandchildren: 3.22508158
view commentEx-husbands: 0.6774111
view commentLiving parents: 0.3642117
 answered question209
 
skipped question
14
11. Who lives with you currently? (please check all that apply)
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
No one else
19.9%43
Husband
69.0%149
Significant other (male)
2.3%5
Significant other (female)
1.9%4
Child(ren)
3.7%8
Grandchild(ren) 0.0%0
Parent(s)or in-law(s)
0.5%1
Roomate(s)
1.4%3
Pet(s)
26.9%58
 answered question216
 
skipped question
7
12. For all of the activities listed below that you have participated in, which TWO have you spent the most years doing?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Primarily ran a household/raised children
32.2%69
Volunteer/charity work
24.3%52
Worked full time outside the home for pay (no family commitments)
28.5%61
Worked full time outside the home for pay while raising a family
41.6%89
Worked full time at home for pay (no family commitments)
5.6%12
Worked part time at home for pay (no family commitments)
1.4%3
Worked full time at home for pay while raising a family
3.3%7
Worked part time at home for pay while raising a family
4.2%9
Worked part time outside the home for pay (no family commitments)
9.3%20
Worked part time outside the home for pay while raising a family
16.4%35
Full time graduate study
3.7%8
Graduate study while working and/or raising a family/homemaking
7.9%17
Travel
8.4%18
Creative outlets e.g. painting, dance, playing an instrument, writing, etc.
9.8%21
Caring for elders
2.8%6
Caring for grandchildren
0.5%1
 answered question214
 
skipped question
9
13. For all of the activities listed below that you have participated in, which TWO have given you the most satisfaction?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Primarily ran a household/raised children
31.9%68
Volunteer/charity work
21.1%45
Worked full time outside the home for pay (no family commitments)
18.3%39
Worked full time outside the home for pay while raising a family
28.6%61
Worked full time at home for pay (no family commitments)
2.8%6
Worked part time at home for pay (no family commitments)
1.4%3
Worked full time at home for pay while raising a family
3.8%8
Worked part time at home for pay while raising a family
3.8%8
Worked part time outside the home for pay (no family commitments)
4.2%9
Worked part time outside the home for pay while raising a family
8.9%19
Full time graduate study
3.8%8
Graduate study while working and/or raising a family/ homemaking
5.6%12
Travel
28.2%60
Creative outlets e.g. painting, dance, playing an instrument, writing, etc.
22.5%48
Caring for elders
1.9%4
Caring for grandchildren
11.3%24
 answered question213
 
skipped question
10
14. On a scale of #1 (very dissatisfied) to #5 (very satisfied), how would you rate your levels of satisfaction with the following areas of your life?
 12345NARating
Average
Response
Count
Marriage/Partnership6.0% (13)4.2% (9)7.0% (15)24.2% (52)51.6% (111)7.0% (15)4.32215
Career1.4% (3)7.5% (16)13.1% (28)36.4% (78)35.5% (76)6.1% (13)4.15214
Children4.3% (9)1.0% (2)2.4% (5)11.9% (25)66.7% (140)13.8% (29)4.77210
Grandchildren3.4% (7)0.5% (1)3.9% (8)7.4% (15)57.6% (117)27.1% (55)4.97203
Physical fitness/health1.4% (3)5.6% (12)16.9% (36)41.3% (88)34.7% (74)0.0% (0)4.02213
Social/community life0.5% (1)4.2% (9)14.0% (30)47.2% (101)34.1% (73)0.0% (0)4.10214
Intellectual/cultural life1.4% (3)2.3% (5)14.9% (32)39.1% (84)41.4% (89)0.9% (2)4.20215
Creative activities3.3% (7)7.6% (16)21.3% (45)33.6% (71)28.0% (59)6.2% (13)3.94211
Community service/ Volunteer activities2.9% (6)9.5% (20)18.1% (38)32.9% (69)26.2% (55)10.5% (22)4.01210
Economic status2.8% (6)3.7% (8)13.5% (29)34.0% (73)45.1% (97)0.9% (2)4.18215
Level of achievement0.9% (2)6.2% (13)19.0% (40)42.2% (89)31.3% (66)0.5% (1)3.98211
Balance in your life1.4% (3)6.5% (14)12.1% (26)42.3% (91)37.2% (80)0.5% (1)4.09215
 answered question216
 
skipped question
7
15. What is your employment status?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Work full-time for pay
17.7%38
Work part-time for pay
24.7%53
Unemployed, looking for work
0.5%1
Retired
39.5%85
Homemaker/volunteer/never employed for pay
4.7%10
view commentOther (please specify)
13.5%29
 answered question215
 
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8
16. (IF WORKING FOR PAY, PLEASE ANSWER QUESTIONS 16-22) Are you the primary source of financial support in your household?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes
47.8%54
No
53.1%60
 answered question113
 
skipped question
110
17. If financial considerations were not involved, would you work for pay?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes
69.2%83
No
15.0%18
Uncertain
16.7%20
 answered question120
 
skipped question
103
18. In what field is your current occupation?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Education, Training
18.7%23
Arts
12.2%15
Law
4.1%5
Medicine, Health Care
9.8%12
Science 0.0%0
Engineering 0.0%0
Architecture
0.8%1
Government/Politics
4.9%6
Writing, Journalism
3.3%4
Real Estate
6.5%8
Banking, Finance
2.4%3
Marketing/Market Research
1.6%2
Technology, Computers
0.8%1
Social Welfare
4.9%6
Media 0.0%0
Retailing 0.0%0
Sales
2.4%3
Interior Design
2.4%3
view commentOther (please specify)
26.0%32
 answered question123
 
skipped question
100
19. Do you serve on any corporate boards?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes
6.1%8
No
94.7%124
 answered question131
 
skipped question
92
20. When, if ever, do you plan to retire?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Within a year
1.8%2
1 to 3 years
29.4%32
4 years or more
7.3%8
No definite plans
49.5%54
Never
12.8%14
 answered question109
 
skipped question
114
21. Which statement comes closest to your feelings about retirement?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
I am eagerly looking forward to it
11.4%14
I am looking forward to it, but have some concerns
23.6%29
I am somewhat nervous about it
13.8%17
I’m not looking forward to it at all
5.7%7
Doesn’t apply
46.3%57
 answered question123
 
skipped question
100
22. What are your TWO greatest concerns regarding retirement?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Money
37.0%50
Health
35.6%48
Finding meaningful activity
33.3%45
Loss of identity/purpose/sense of self
21.5%29
Feeling irrelevant/over the hill
12.6%17
Finding enough to keep me busy in general
5.9%8
Changed relationship with spouse/partner
3.7%5
Diminished or less interesting social circle
5.9%8
None/No concerns
15.6%21
view commentOther (please specify)
11.1%15
 answered question135
 
skipped question
88
23. If you are retired, did you retire within the past 5 years or more than 5 years ago?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Within the past 5 years
56.5%61
More than 5 years ago
43.5%47
 answered question108
 
skipped question
115
24. If you are retired, are you enjoying retirement more, less or just about as much as you thought you would before you retired?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
More
41.4%46
Less
8.1%9
About as much as I thought
50.5%56
 answered question111
 
skipped question
112
25. How much time do you spend on volunteer activities?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Lots (40+ hours/month)
14.9%32
Moderate (10-40 hours/month)
39.1%84
Little (under 10 hours/month)
33.0%71
None
13.5%29
 answered question215
 
skipped question
8
26. If applicable, where do you spend your volunteer time? (please check all that apply)
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Arts
31.1%57
Professional organization
10.4%19
Children’s issues/activities
16.4%30
Social service/Community improvement
33.3%61
Education
33.3%61
Environment
15.8%29
Health-related
13.1%24
Political
18.6%34
Religious
26.2%48
Women’s issues
8.2%15
view commentOther (please specify)
18.6%34
 answered question183
 
skipped question
40
27. Do you serve on any non-profit boards of directors or trustees?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes
41.3%86
No
59.1%123
 answered question208
 
skipped question
15
28. Do you do any volunteer work for Smith?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes
14.2%30
No
86.3%182
 answered question211
 
skipped question
12
29. If you answered “Yes” to Question #28, then what percentage of your volunteer time is spent on Smith?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Less than 5%
51.6%16
5-15%
25.8%8
16-25%
9.7%3
26-50%
3.2%1
51-75%
6.5%2
76-100%
3.2%1
 answered question31
 
skipped question
192
30. If you are working for pay and/or as a volunteer, compared to five years ago, are you working...
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Harder
16.4%29
Less Hard
45.8%81
No real change
38.4%68
 answered question177
 
skipped question
46
31. Which of the following activities do you engage in regularly? (please check all that apply)
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Watch commercial television
50.0%108
Watch public television
64.8%140
Go to the movies
56.5%122
Go to live theater
54.2%117
Go to dance performances
21.8%47
Go to museums and/or art galleries
69.0%149
Go to musical performances
57.4%124
Take continuing education classes
24.5%53
Read fiction/poetry
83.8%181
Read non-fiction/history/biography
71.3%154
Participate in a book club
34.3%74
Participate in a vocal, instrumental, dance or theater group
15.3%33
Play a musical instrument
13.0%28
Paint/sculpt/do photography
25.5%55
Write fiction/non-fiction/poetry
12.0%26
Weave/sew/knit/pottery
23.6%51
Gardening
49.5%107
Collect art/antiques
18.5%40
Travel
75.9%164
Surf the web
37.0%80
view commentOther (please specify)
27.8%60
 answered question216
 
skipped question
7
32. Which aspects of our current age do you particularly enjoy? (please check all that apply)
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
More leisure and time to myself
57.5%123
Have time to pursue my real interests/hobbies
47.2%101
Began/beginning a new career
10.7%23
Being at the top of my career
7.9%17
Still working/vital
32.2%69
Experimenting and trying out new activities
32.7%70
Doing more volunteer work/community service
25.7%55
More time with friends
46.3%99
More time with spouse/partner
40.7%87
Grown children and/or grandchildren
63.6%136
Greater self confidence
35.5%76
Not having to prove anything
56.1%120
Less stress
41.6%89
Travel
64.0%137
Greater spiritual or religious involvement
17.3%37
Less concern about my appearance
22.0%47
New relationships
15.4%33
Sex/sensuality
7.0%15
view commentOther (please specify)
6.1%13
 answered question214
 
skipped question
9
33. What aspects of our current age trouble you? (please check all that apply)
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Declining physical capacity/less energy
45.8%98
Declining mental capacity
22.0%47
Frequent and/or serious health problems
11.7%25
Can’t find satisfying new roles
5.6%12
Feeling or being treated as older/less relevant
17.3%37
Looking old
24.8%53
Less financial security/more financial constraints
13.6%29
Aging or ill spouse/partner
8.9%19
Living far away from children/grandchildren
22.9%49
Never reached the top of my profession/career
9.8%21
Working in a job/profession I don’t enjoy
1.9%4
Limited/less interesting social life
8.4%18
Losing friends/loved ones
23.8%51
Diminished sexual enjoyment
11.7%25
None, I’m very happy
24.3%52
view commentOther (please specify)
8.9%19
 answered question214
 
skipped question
9
34. If you could live your life over again, what major change would you make? (please check ONLY ONE)
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Different career or vocation
13.3%28
Different partner/spouse
7.6%16
Live in a different area
4.3%9
Have more children
7.6%16
Have fewer children 0.0%0
Have children
3.8%8
Spend more time on career
7.6%16
Spend more time with family
2.4%5
Retire sooner
0.9%2
Retire later or not at all
1.9%4
Would not change a thing
34.1%72
view commentOther (please specify)
16.6%35
 answered question211
 
skipped question
12
35. How do you rate your current physical health/well-being?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Excellent
46.9%100
Good
44.6%95
Fair
6.6%14
Poor
1.9%4
 answered question213
 
skipped question
10
36. Which of the following have you done or experienced in the past 5 years? (please check all that apply)
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Serious or critical illness
13.2%28
Major surgery
15.6%33
Plastic surgery
6.6%14
Non-surgical cosmetic intervention
7.1%15
Depression/anxiety/mental illness
10.4%22
Death of a husband/partner; parent; sibling; child; close friend
27.8%59
Lost 10 or more pounds
23.6%50
Gained 10 or more pounds
13.7%29
None of the above
26.4%56
view commentOther significant event (please specify)
13.2%28
 answered question212
 
skipped question
11
37. How many hours of exercise do you do per week?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
None
2.8%6
1 – 2 hours
13.7%29
3 – 4 hours
32.7%69
5 – 7 hours
32.7%69
8 or more hours
18.0%38
 answered question211
 
skipped question
12
38. Is that more, less or about the same amount of time you exercised 5 years ago?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
More
22.3%47
Less
20.9%44
About the same
56.9%120
 answered question211
 
skipped question
12
39. Which of the following do you practice or participate in on a regular basis? (please check all that apply)
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Vigorous exercise (e.g. running, biking, rowing, skiing, aerobics)
29.2%62
Moderate exercise (e.g. walking, stretch classes, gardening)
84.9%180
Weight resistance training
29.7%63
Yoga or pilates
28.3%60
Tai Chi
2.4%5
Meditation
9.4%20
Healthful eating
72.6%154
Weight control
40.6%86
Sufficient sleep/rest
58.0%123
AA, NA, OA or other addiction control program
2.8%6
None
1.4%3
view commentOther (please specify)
9.0%19
 answered question212
 
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11
40. How do you personally feel about being in your mid 60’s? (please check all that apply)
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Happy
35.7%76
Comfortable
70.0%149
Challenged
13.1%28
Indifferent/Never give it a thought
4.2%9
Resigned
14.6%31
Apprehensive
4.7%10
Angry
0.5%1
Old/over the hill
1.4%3
Deny it
5.6%12
view commentOther (please specify)
4.7%10
 answered question213
 
skipped question
10
41. Would you say you feel or think of yourself as younger than you are, older than you are or just about your actual age?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Much younger (In your 40’s or less)
16.4%35
Somewhat younger (50 – 59)
61.5%131
About my age (60 – 67)
21.6%46
Somewhat older (68 – 70)
0.5%1
Much older (over 70) 0.0%0
 answered question213
 
skipped question
10
42. If younger, what would you say are the main reasons for which you feel younger than you are? (please check all that apply)
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Still involved in paid or volunteer work that is stimulating and/or important
66.5%111
Found a new passion or career
15.6%26
Exercise regularly
68.9%115
Eat healthy foods
69.5%116
Had plastic surgery or non-surgical cosmetic intervention
7.8%13
Pursue intellectual interests
63.5%106
Involved in creative activities
41.3%69
Spending time with/caring for grandchildren
41.9%70
Traveling to new places
64.1%107
Less pressure/stress
43.7%73
Have an active social life
44.3%74
Spending more time with spouse/partner/family
31.1%52
A new marriage/partnership
4.2%7
view commentOther (please specify)
15.6%26
 answered question167
 
skipped question
56
43. Looking ahead, how do you feel about your financial situation and its ability to meet your needs for retirement and material well being?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Very comfortable
41.1%88
Fairly comfortable
38.3%82
A little concerned
17.8%38
Very concerned
2.8%6
 answered question214
 
skipped question
9
44. How involved are you personally in managing your finances and planning for your financial future?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Do most or all myself
27.6%59
Husband/partner and I share equally
21.5%46
Husband/partner does most of it
23.4%50
Rely mainly on an outside advisor
25.2%54
My child/children help me
0.5%1
Don’t do much planning
1.9%4
 answered question214
 
skipped question
9
45. How comfortable are you dealing with or managing financial matters?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Very comfortable
33.6%72
Somewhat comfortable
46.7%100
Not too comfortable
17.3%37
Not at all comfortable
2.3%5
 answered question214
 
skipped question
9
46. If you have a spouse or partner, do you have a significant amount of money in your own name, is all or most of it in a joint account or is all or most of it in your spouse’s/ partner’s name?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
A significant amount in my name
59.6%93
All or most in a joint account
30.8%48
All or most in spouse’s/partner’s name
1.3%2
view commentOther (please specify)
8.3%13
 answered question156
 
skipped question
67
47. What was your total household income in 2007?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Under $50,000
9.3%19
$50,000-$99,999
18.1%37
$100,000-$249,999
39.2%80
$250,000-$499,999
8.8%18
$500,000-$999,999
3.9%8
$1,000,000 or over
2.9%6
Prefer not to disclose
17.6%36
 answered question204
 
skipped question
19
48. What was your own income from work and other non-work sources, e.g. investments, in 2007?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Under $50,000
37.7%78
$50,000-$99,999
21.7%45
$100,000-$249,999
16.9%35
$250,000-$499,999
2.9%6
$500,000-$999,999
1.4%3
$1,000,000 or over
1.4%3
Prefer not to disclose
17.9%37
 answered question207
 
skipped question
16
49. What religion do you consider yourself to be?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Protestant
44.5%94
Catholic
4.7%10
Jewish
17.1%36
Evangelical Christian
1.4%3
Muslim 0.0%0
Buddhist/Hindu
0.9%2
Greek /Russian Orthodox 0.0%0
Agnostic
10.0%21
Athiest
8.5%18
view commentOther (please specify)
12.8%27
 answered question211
 
skipped question
12
50. Have you changed your religion in the past 5 years?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes
2.9%6
No
97.1%202
 answered question208
 
skipped question
15
51. What role does religion play in your life?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Very important
24.1%51
Moderate
26.9%57
Little
27.8%59
None
21.2%45
 answered question212
 
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11
52. Do you consider yourself more or less religious than you were 5 years ago?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
More
14.4%30
Less
6.2%13
No change
79.4%166
 answered question209
 
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14
53. What is your present party affiliation?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Republican
14.6%31
Democrat
65.1%138
Conservative
0.5%1
Reform 0.0%0
Libertarian 0.0%0
Independent
18.9%40
view commentOther (please specify)
0.9%2
 answered question212
 
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11
54. Politically, do you consider yourself to be:
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Very conservative
0.9%2
Conservative
6.1%13
Moderate/Centrist
31.0%66
Liberal/Progressive
47.9%102
Very liberal
14.1%30
 answered question213
 
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10
55. Does your current political leaning represent a change in your views from 5 years ago?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes
5.7%12
No
94.3%198
 answered question210
 
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13
56. Whom did you vote for in the 2004 Presidential election?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
George Bush
17.5%37
John Kerry
77.7%164
Pat Buchanan 0.0%0
No one
2.8%6
view commentOther (please specify)
1.9%4
 answered question211
 
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12
57. Leaving aside your views about Hillary Clinton, specifically, how do you feel about having a woman run for President?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
I’m thrilled/It’s about time
42.7%90
I think it’s a good idea
36.5%77
It makes no difference to me
19.9%42
I’m a little uneasy about a woman president
0.9%2
I won’t vote for a woman as president 0.0%0
 answered question211
 
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12
58. How do you feel about having Hillary Clinton be the first woman to run for President? (please check one)
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
I think she’s very qualified/an ideal role model/she’ll pave the way for other women
21.0%44
She’s not ideal, but she’s the most qualified of the women available now
31.4%66
She’s relatively qualified, but I think there are better choices
12.4%26
I don’t think she would even be a candidate if she weren’t married to Bill
13.8%29
She would have been a more credible candidate if she had run on her own
10.0%21
I think she will be a setback for other women who want to run
2.4%5
view commentOther (please specify)
9.0%19
 answered question210
 
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13
59. Are you more, less or just about as politically active as you were 5 years ago?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
More
19.9%42
Less
4.7%10
About the same
75.4%159
 answered question211
 
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12
60. Are you involved in any of the following political/social issues? (please check all that apply)
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Environmental conservation
66.9%107
Peace/Ending the Iraq War
32.5%52
Disarmament/Nuclear disarmament/nuclear containment
3.1%5
Government ethics/Fighting political corruption
11.3%18
Civil Rights
15.0%24
Gun Control
11.9%19
Curbing Executive Power
4.4%7
Women’s Rights
25.6%41
Consumer Protection
6.9%11
Gay Rights
10.6%17
Reproductive Rights
26.9%43
Disaster relief
11.3%18
HIV/AIDS
9.4%15
World Hunger
20.0%32
Illiteracy
11.3%18
Homelessness
13.1%21
Drug Abuse
6.3%10
view commentOther (please specify)
26.3%42
 answered question160
 
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63
61. Which of the following political activities have you participated in during the last 5 years? (please check all that apply)
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Voting
93.5%187
Writing letters to politicians
52.0%104
Funding a political cause
44.0%88
Funding a candidate
55.0%110
Hosting a political event
16.0%32
Campaigning for a candidate
22.0%44
Writing policy/position papers for a candidate
3.5%7
Running for political office
1.5%3
Testifying at a hearing on a public issue
9.0%18
view commentOther (please specify)
3.0%6
 answered question200
 
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23
62. Have you ever been elected to political office?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes
4.3%9
No
95.7%199
 answered question208
 
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15
63. If you have been elected to political office, to what office and in what year(s)?
 Response
Count
view comment9
 answered question9
 
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214
64. If you could set the agenda for the United States in the next administration, which three problems would you focus on? (please check only THREE)
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Illegal immigration
16.7%35
Environmental conservation
54.3%114
Security/Terrorism
21.4%45
Peace in the Middle East
27.1%57
Israeli Palestinian conflict, specifically
6.7%14
Restoring constitutional rights/liberties
16.7%35
Political corruption
5.7%12
The economy
36.2%76
Separation of church and state
4.8%10
Education
21.4%45
Healthcare availability
47.1%99
Racial tensions
1.9%4
Reproductive rights
7.1%15
Gun control
4.8%10
Political polarization/partisanship
5.2%11
Relations with China and Russia
2.4%5
Restoring America’s image abroad
21.0%44
Gay rights
2.4%5
HIV/AIDS 0.0%0
view commentOther (please specify)
14.3%30
 answered question210
 
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65. How would you rank Smith with other causes you support financially?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
High priority
17.6%37
Medium priority
34.8%73
Low priority
33.8%71
Don’t contribute at all
14.3%30
 answered question210
 
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13
66. If Smith is a LOW PRIORITY or you DON'T CONTRIBUTE AT ALL, why is that? (please check all that apply)
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
I didn’t like/ hated Smith while I was there
11.9%13
I was disappointed in the education I got at Smith
0.9%1
I was disappointed in the lack of diversity when I was at Smith
5.5%6
I was disappointed in the quality and/or seriousness of the student body when I was at Smith
1.8%2
Smith hasn’t played a meaningful role in my life since graduation
39.4%43
I think the quality of the student body has declined since I went
11.9%13
I think the quality of the faculty has declined since I went
1.8%2
I dislike Smith’s gay/ lesbian orientation and reputation
16.5%18
I don’t believe in all women’s education in today’s environment
7.3%8
The college isn’t relevant to my life now
27.5%30
The college doesn’t stay in touch with alumnae
1.8%2
Other charitable needs are more important to me
71.6%78
view commentOther (please specify)
26.6%29
 answered question109
 
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114
67. If Smith is a HIGH PRIORITY or MEDIUM PRIORITY, what are the reasons you give to Smith? (please check all that apply)
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
I just believe it is important to support the college
49.6%56
I want the college to be able to maintain its reputation for academic excellence
73.5%83
Smith’s reputation reflects on me, so I want it to maintain its high standards
16.8%19
I value the education I received and want to give back
84.1%95
I believe in women’s education
68.1%77
I try to maintain parity with my spouse/partner’s giving to other schools
2.7%3
I am interested in supporting specific aspects of Smith: art, science, government, theater, etc.
11.5%13
I believe the ability to offer a significant amount of financial assistance is important to attract the most qualified students
35.4%40
I want to give other young women the chance to have the same great education I did
55.8%63
I’m still close with friends from Smith who contribute
13.3%15
I’ve maintained my connection with Smith through alumnae college, travel programs, local lectures by faculty, etc.
15.0%17
view commentOther (please specify)
7.1%8
 answered question113
 
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110
68. How do you rate the role Smith has played in your life since graduation?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Very important
17.4%36
Somewhat important
37.7%78
Not too important
30.0%62
Not at all important
15.5%32
 answered question207
 
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16
69. What were the main reasons you originally chose to go to Smith? (please check only three)
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
It had an outstanding academic reputation
88.0%183
It was socially prestigious
10.6%22
I wanted an all women’s college
31.3%65
I wanted a small liberal arts college
42.8%89
My mother/grandmother went to Smith
16.3%34
It was surrounded by men’s colleges/the social life was good
6.7%14
It was easy to get accepted/I knew I could get in
3.8%8
It was in a quiet/ pastoral setting
8.2%17
I wanted to go on Junior Year Abroad
15.9%33
view commentOther (please specify)
22.1%46
 answered question208
 
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70. What benefits do you think you got from your Smith experience/ education? (please check all that apply)
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Intellectual self-confidence
66.8%139
A belief I could do anything I wanted in life
34.1%71
Social poise/confidence
33.2%69
Intellectual curiosity
69.2%144
The ability to analyze/reason/think/question
60.1%125
Exposure to a wide variety of subjects and courses
74.5%155
A clear sense of myself
12.5%26
Guided me towards my career
16.3%34
An understanding and appreciation of diverse groups of people fostered by the house system
25.5%53
Inspiration and guidance from outstanding professors
37.0%77
A greater respect for the abilities of women
31.7%66
An interest/active involvement in the feminist movement
9.6%20
A college I am proud of in my career and social life
56.3%117
None/No benefits 0.0%0
view commentOther (please specify)
15.4%32
 answered question208
 
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71. How significant was the fact that Smith was a woman’s college in providing the benefits you circled in Question #70?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Very significant
32.8%67
Somewhat significant
34.3%70
Not too significant
20.1%41
Not at all significant
9.3%19
It was actually a hindrance
3.9%8
 answered question204
 
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19
72. Do you have the impression that Smith is now a more or less desired college choice than it was in 1959?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
More desired
1.9%4
Less desired
71.8%150
No difference
6.7%14
Don’t know
20.1%42
 answered question209
 
skipped question
14
73. Would you choose Smith today?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes
19.8%41
Maybe
50.2%104
No
30.4%63
 answered question207
 
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16
74. Would you encourage a young woman to attend Smith today?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes
42.5%88
Maybe
48.3%100
No
9.7%20
 answered question207
 
skipped question
16
75. Would you encourage a young woman to attend Wellesley or Barnard today?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes
25.2%51
Maybe
62.9%127
No
12.4%25
 answered question202
 
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21
76. What do you think are the positive aspects of Smith today? (please check all that apply)
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Its relatively small size
75.5%157
It’s all women
49.0%102
The focus on Liberal Arts
73.1%152
The strength in science and engineering
49.0%102
The same variety of courses offered at a larger university
30.8%64
Access to other colleges in the area
45.2%94
A highly intelligent student body
57.2%119
A diverse student body
52.9%110
A reputation for academic excellence
71.2%148
A strong faculty
61.1%127
Personal focus/attention on each student
31.7%66
The Junior Year Abroad Program
41.3%86
Don’t know
4.3%9
None 0.0%0
view commentOther (please specify)
4.8%10
 answered question208
 
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77. What changes do you think Smith should make to improve the college and attract more/better qualified students? (please check all that apply)
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Go co-ed
9.8%18
Add more graduate programs
8.7%16
Add more programs in the sciences and engineering
19.0%35
Focus more on its liberal arts roots
15.8%29
Less emphasis on science and engineering
1.1%2
Add business and financial management courses
23.4%43
Promote the achievements of former and recent graduates
40.2%74
Promote the awards/achievements of its faculty members
32.1%59
Feature the names of famous Smith graduates on our marketing materials
27.2%50
Actively promote the benefits of an all women’s college today
52.2%96
Highlight the heterosexual community and social life at Smith
33.7%62
Highlight Smith’s commitment to diversity while continuing its focus on academic excellence
50.5%93
view commentOther (please specify)
15.2%28
 answered question184
 
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78. Which, if any, of the following information about Smith would make you more likely to recommend it to young women today? (please check all that apply)
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Smith won more Fulbright Scholarships than any other college or university in 2006 and ranked second in the nation in 2007.
86.9%159
The Ford Motor Company awarded Smith $10 million for the new Engineering Building because it believes gender diversity is important in engineering and wants to partner with Smith in producing leaders in this field.
56.8%104
Ford Motor Company also awards a $10,000 grant to Smith students each year to tackle an engineering challenge for the company because they value Smith’s emphasis on linking classroom learning with real-world projects and issues.
43.2%79
Over the last 30 years, Smith has produced the most women doctorates of any private liberal arts college in the country.
82.5%151
Newsweek singled out Smith as the “Hottest Women’s College” in its 2008 college guide.
47.0%86
Current Smith students generally choose Smith “in spite of the fact” that it is all women, but cite this as Smith’s greatest benefit when they are seniors.
57.9%106
Glenn Ellis, associate professor of engineering at Smith, was named the top liberals-arts college teacher and mentor in the entire country this year because of his unique approach to teaching engineering. He combines “technology and the humanities, science with the liberal arts, to provide tomorrow’s engineers with insight and flexibility…”
46.4%85
Smith’s endowment, currently valued at $1.4 billion, ranks among the top 10 in the country for liberal arts colleges.
49.7%91
Smith continues to produce leaders in every field. The Head of National Public Radio’s News division, Ellen Weiss ’81; Pulitzer Prize-Winning dramatist Margaret Edison ’83; the youngest female surgeon to head breast cancer care in the Boston area, Carolyn Scerbo Kaelin ’83; U.S. Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin ’84 and author and MacArthur Foundation “genius” grant recipient Adrian Nicole Le Blanc ’86 join the ranks of Julia Child ‘34, Betty Friedan ’42, Nancy Davis Reagan ’43, Barbara Pierce Bush ’47, poet and author Sylvia Plath ’55, Ms. magazine founding editor Gloria Steinem ’56, U.S. Congresswoman Jane Lakes Harman ’66, Columnist and author Molly Ivins ’66, Ogilvy & Mather CEO Shelly Lazarus ’68 and United States Ambassador to Hungry April Foley ’69.
72.1%132
Smith ranks first in the nation among all baccalaureate institutions in the number of students studying abroad for a full year.
47.5%87
 answered question183
 
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79. Would this information make you any more likely to contribute to Smith financially or increase your current contributions to the college?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes
11.4%23
Maybe
39.6%80
No
49.5%100
 answered question202
 
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21
80. How often do you read Smith E-News, NewsSmith or the Alumnae Quarterly?
 Smith E-NewsNewsSmithAlumnae QuarterlyRating
Average
Response
Count
Regularly2.8% (3)12.1% (13)85.0% (91)2.82107
Occasionally24.2% (22)39.6% (36)36.3% (33)2.1291
Rarely/Just glance at it50.0% (29)24.1% (14)25.9% (15)1.7658
Not aware of it72.7% (16)27.3% (6)0.0% (0)1.2722
Never65.6% (21)28.1% (9)6.3% (2)1.4132
 answered question158
 
skipped question
65
81. Smith has a new electronic publication called NewsTracker, a compilation of “Smith in the News” which comes out three times a week. Do you already receive this publication?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes
3.4%7
No
97.0%197
 answered question203
 
skipped question
20
82. Are you interested in receiving this publication?
 Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes
22.1%44
No
78.4%156
 answered question199
 
skipped question
24
83. Please describe your most significant experience or milestone in the last 5 years.
 Response
Count
view comment143
 answered question143
 
skipped question
80
84. The survey should have asked the following question:
 Response
Count
view comment83
 answered question83
 
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140
85. And I would have answered:
 Response
Count
view comment63
 answered question63
 
skipped question
160
86. Any additional comments:
 Response
Count
view comment64
 answered question64
 
skipped question
159
87. Thank you very much for your participation. Feel free to add your name in the space below if you would like. If you prefer to remain anonymous, leave the space below blank and click "Done."
 Response
Count
view comment47
 answered question47
 
skipped question
176