TUFTS PARENTS AND FAMILIES (TPF) NEWSLETTER | November 18, 2025

Dear Parents and Families,

With Fall Break nearly here, students are finishing midterms and anticipating some time off from classes. They're also bundling up as the weather turns cooler in New England. Thanks to everyone who donated to the Winter Clothing Drive during Parents and Family Weekend.

This edition features the upcoming annual art sale at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA) at Tufts (Dec. 5 - 7). Also included:

Wishing you and your student a few days of rest and relaxation and time to catch up during the break!

Best wishes, 

Carole McFall
Family Engagement, AS&E 
carole.mcfall@tufts.edu
Direct: 617-627-2797

Did you know that the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA) at Tufts Art Sale is the largest contemporary art sale in New England? The annual event, which takes place every December, features over 2,000 works by approximately 600 artists. This year’s sale will be its 47th year.  

“It’s a wonderful tradition that supports students and celebrates creativity,” said Alumni Engagement and SMFA Art Sale Manager Kara Howgate-Mello. “Every year, hundreds of artists come together to make this sale possible, and the proceeds go directly toward financial aid for SMFA students.”

Nearly 80% of the artists are SMFA alumni, joined by current students, faculty, and friends who give a percentage of their sale to the school’s fundraising goal. "For many alumni, this is a meaningful way to give back and stay connected," said Howgate-Mello. She emphasizes that what makes the art sale distinct is its revolving presentation of artworks, where new pieces are displayed as soon as others are sold.

The sale includes a variety of mediums: paintings and photography (framed and unframed), sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, and fiber arts, with price points for every budget. Howgate-Mello hopes parents and families will attend this year, whether returning or coming for the first time. “It’s a chance to visit the SMFA spaces, discover emerging talent, support artists, and bring home something truly special!”

What to Expect
The sale takes place Friday, December 5 – Sunday, December 7 at the SMFA’s campus: 230 Fenway, Boston, throughout it first-floor galleries. There will also be pop-up installations during the sale, including a Clay Club (student organization) Cup Bazaar, showcasing a variety of handmade cups. For public sale times, visit the SMFA Art Sale website.

Special Events

The Annual Art Sale is a cornerstone event for the SMFA, which will celebrate its 150th anniversary next year. “The art sale is a way for us to promote work by living artists who are all connected to this historic institution and to bring people in to experience the powerful impact that art—and supporting artists—has on our community and society,” said Howgate-Mello.

As its tagline states: Buy Art. Do Good. See you at the SMFA art sale!

Which do you take more seriously: obligations or optional activities? When students view career development as a required piece of a Tufts education, they are more likely to take the necessary steps to reach their career goals. Here are three strategies:

3. Use available resources: Career advisors help students create timelines and objectives tailored to their goals and stage of career development, just as they support students in planning academic requirements/courses.

Speaking of courses, we have two 7-week, 1 credit courses available through the Tufts ExCollege for Spring 2026: Designing Your Career Journey (EXP-0068-S) and Financial Literacy: Understanding Personal Finances (EXP-0067-S). 

October was lively on campus, kicking off with the Homecoming game and “An Evening with Ben Platt” singer-songwriter performance. The month highlighted talented Jumbos across Tufts whose live performances brought out a range of emotions. A production of Our Town had me in tears, while I found myself laughing watching Urinetown the following weekend.

The highlight of the month was Halloweekend. At Tufts, Halloween night includes the annual HorrorFest, showcasing student-made horror short films, because everyone’s entitled to one good scare on Halloween, right? The next night had students showcasing skills in the “Break The Stage” step competition, the Applejam live band concert, and a Halloween-themed drag show.

With November underway, we practiced our civic engagement with an election watch party and student senate town halls. Overall, it was an amazing month; community events and colorful leaves were a great distraction from the cooler weather and midterms. I’m excited for what’s ahead!

It was so lovely to see many of you at the Parents and Family Weekend events last month! We enjoyed having the chance to tell you about our magnificent European Center in Talloires, France and about the exciting programs we run there. To learn more about the European Center and our summer 2026 programs in the French Alps, we invite you to follow us on social media or visit our website!

The 2026 Senior Memory Book is Tufts' “yearbook.” Updated information about the book and Senior Portraits can be found on the Campus Life website. 

The only way to get a 2026 Senior Memory Book is to pre-order. Order NOW - May 31, 2026 (limited quantities are available).

Your student's Memory Book will be mailed in July to the address provided when ordering. TO PURCHASE: Go to yearbookforever.com and enter our school's name (Tufts University).

Senior Portraits
Remind your senior to sign up for a free portrait sitting with Legacy Studios. A portrait session with the on campus photographers is the only way for your student's photo to be in the portrait section of the 2025 Senior Memory Book.

Student Stories

Trey Lawrence, A26, a member of the men’s step team on the benefits of exploring activities outside of one’s comfort zone.

Madison Giles, E27, designed a hyper-realistic hummingbird feeder that recently earned a United States Patent. 

They Train to Be Officers, but Always Team Players. 

KEYNOTE Recording

Watch the Parents and Family Weekend 2025 Keynote Speaker: Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences Bárbara Brizuela.

WEBINAR Recording: Career Center 101
We received many great questions during our Career Center 101 webinar earlier this month. Members of the Career Center team highlighted the tools, resources, and networking opportunities available to help students secure internships and jobs. The Nov. 5 webinar recording, slides, and related links are on the Family Engagement website.

Plan Ahead for Break Periods
Information about your student's break periods during the academic year is available online. 

Dates to Remember
Nov. 26 – No Classes, Fall Break
Nov. 27 – No Classes Thanksgiving (University Holiday)
Nov. 28 – No Classes (University Holiday)

Communications Archive
Emails and other communications to parents, families, and students are archived online. 

TuftsAlert
Enroll in the TuftsAlert system to be notified directly by text, phone, and/or email in case of significant emergencies affecting the Tufts University community.

Family Engagement