Marissa Hoechstetter
Smith Staff
Office of Alumnae Relations and Development
Assistant Vice President of Advancement
What brought you to Smith?
I grew up near Northampton and moved back to the area after having lived in New York City and Washington, D.C. I was thrilled to accept a position on the advancement team at Smith and started working here in February 2014.
What do you do here?
My team is responsible for communicating and engaging with alums and donors. We celebrate the impact of Smith’s curricular and co-curricular programs, alum-to-alum and alum-to-student networking, and the power of philanthropic partnerships. I also get to think through tough questions, plan strategically, and make sure alums, donors, and volunteers have what they need to be our ambassadors in the world.
Please share something you are proud of about your work at the college.
It was an honor to co-chair the college’s 150th anniversary program in 2025. I love organizing celebratory events and communications around major milestones at Smith, like the groundbreaking and dedication for the new Neilson Library, the Schacht Health and Wellness Center, the Carol Christ Gallery of Asian Art, and others.
What’s your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spots change over time and by season, but I’d have to say that the new Neilson Library is quite special. I worked on the donor signage throughout the building and have walked all of the spaces many, many times, checking details. It never gets old. It’s a gorgeous place to spend time, whether for work or just wandering.
When you’re not working or traveling for Smith, what are you most likely to be doing?
Hanging out with my twin teen daughters. We like to do craft projects, cook new recipes, and play board games.
What else are you enjoying these days?
Playing softball! I’ve played on a team with members of my synagogue and another team in an inclusive women’s league. It’s so fun, and it’s a great way to relax and get exercise at the same time.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would love to visit Japan’s “art islands.” Among 3,000 mostly uninhabited islands in the Seto Inland Sea, there are several private islands filled with art installations, museums, and architectural masterpieces. I love travel and I love art, and this seems like a perfect combo of the two!
What’s a project you are passionate about?
Anything related to scholarship aid for students. I received a generous scholarship to attend Skidmore College, and I am passionate about making elite liberal arts experiences accessible.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I'm fluent in French.
Favorite Smith tradition?
Julia Child Day
Who would you most like to have dinner with?
Right now, Greta Gerwig or E. Jean Carroll.
Campus Café or Compass café?
Campus Café