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Four individuals sit on chairs arranged in a semi-circle, engaged in discussion. A backdrop featuring the Vassar Institute logo creates a formal setting, with light streaming in through large windows behind them, illuminating the scene. Each person holds a microphone; two smile while interacting, while the others appear to listen attentively. The floor is wooden, and the overall atmosphere suggests a professional yet conversational event.

Storytelling for Change Shaping and Sharing Inclusive Narratives in Higher Education, Media, and the Arts

Storytelling for Change explored the power of narratives to shape identity, culture, and public understanding.

  • When

    November 7–8, 2025

  • Convened by

    Dara Greenwood, Associate Professor of Psychological Science and Media Studies at Vassar; and Victoria Grantham, Vice President for Communications at Vassar.

  • Attendance

    102 participants

  • When

    November 7–8, 2025

  • Convened by

    Dara Greenwood, Associate Professor of Psychological Science and Media Studies at Vassar; and Victoria Grantham, Vice President for Communications at Vassar.

  • Attendance

    102 participants

Bringing together academics, journalists, economists, performers, and media professionals, the program examined how stories influence perceptions of ourselves and others across higher education, media, and the arts.

Through keynote conversations, interdisciplinary panels, and collaborative discussions, participants engaged with urgent questions surrounding representation, inclusion, and the role of storytelling in social change. The event fostered meaningful dialogue between Vassar students, faculty, staff, alums, and members of the broader community.

Attendees responded especially positively to the diversity of voices represented throughout the program and the opportunities it created for connection across the Vassar and local communities. Participants also consistently praised the event’s hospitality, welcoming atmosphere, and thoughtful organization, which provided a strong foundation for conversation, exchange, and relationship-building.

.

Panels and keynote speaker were highlights for me. A good learning experience!”

I especially liked the panel discussions which were informative, engaging, and stimulating.”

Speakers were inspiring. Lovely to see so many different people (both local and Vassar).”

In Pictures

Two individuals are seated on stage, engaged in a conversation. One is holding a microphone and smiling, while the other is speaking into a microphone and gesturing with their hands. The background features a decorative banner with the text "The Vassar Institute for the Arts." Natural light streams in from large windows, creating a bright atmosphere, while the stage setup includes simple chairs and a minimalistic decor.

Gene Waddy ’27 and Carlo Salerno

Vassar student Gene Waddy ’27 reacts to some good news about the job market for graduates of liberal arts institutions in a conversation with Carlo Salerno, an education economist with Burning Glass Institute.

Photo by Kelly Marsh.

A group of people sit on chairs on a stage during an event.

The Panel

Professor of History and International Relations Robert Brigham (second from right) talks about the risks and rewards of writing for the general public. 

Photo by Victoria Grantham.

A person with a beard and short hair is seated, gesturing with their left hand while speaking. They are dressed in a gray shirt and exhibit a focused expression. To their right, another individual listens attentively, partially visible, with lighter hair styled down. The background features a digital screen displaying text in blue and an emblem above, along with a presentation backdrop that includes the Vassar Institute logo in muted colors. The lighting is bright, illuminating the speakers clearly.

Discussion on AI

Keynote speaker D. Graham Burnett (left) engaged in a lively conversation about the threats posed by artificial intelligence with AI pioneer and Vassar alum Minerva Tantoco ’86.

Photo by Kelly Marsh.

Four individuals sit on chairs arranged in a semi-circle, engaged in discussion. A backdrop featuring the Vassar Institute logo creates a formal setting, with light streaming in through large windows behind them, illuminating the scene. Each person holds a microphone; two smile while interacting, while the others appear to listen attentively. The floor is wooden, and the overall atmosphere suggests a professional yet conversational event.

Panel discussion

There was plenty of opportunity for laughter when panelists (left to right) Mike Gillis of The Onion, Lynette Clemetson of the University of Michigan, and Eric Marcus ’80, founder of the podcast Making Gay History fielded questions from Associate Professor of Psychological Science Dara Greenwood.

Photo by Victoria Grantham.

A panel discussion takes place on a stage. Three individuals are seated on chairs, with two on the left and one on the right. The left figure wears a patterned red dress and glasses, holding papers and smiling. The central figure is dressed in a light jacket and hat, while the figure on the right wears a bright red top. The backdrop features a banner with the text "The Vassar Institute for the Liberal Arts." Soft lighting highlights the subjects against a dark background.

Jeremy Davidson, Dara Greenwood, and Doreen Oliver

Jeremy Davidson (center), co-founder of Storyhorse Documentary Theater, chats with Greenwood (left) and Doreen Oliver. Oliver performed a piece from her award-winning one-woman show, Everything Is Fine Until It’s Not, about her experience of parenting a child with autism.

Photo by Karl Rabe.

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