Cooper Series

Swarthmore College

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Department Overview

The Cooper Foundation

The William J. Cooper Foundation provides a varied program of lectures, performances and exhibitions which enriches the academic work of Swarthmore College. The Foundation was established by William J. Cooper to bring to campus leaders in a broad range of fields and disciplines including education, politics, the arts and sciences, and business for the benefit of faculty, students, staff, and the College community.

It provides annual funds that are used "in bringing to the College eminent citizens of this and other countries who are leaders in statesmanship, education, the arts, sciences, learned professions and business, in order that the faculty, students and the College community may be broadened by a closer acquaintance with matters of world [interest]."


Serendipity Grant Applications now open!

Serendipity Grants are made from Cooper funds and are in support of topical events in the current academic year featuring guests who are either eminent in their fields or show promise of distinguished achievement. Only a Serendipity Application is required but must meet the same standards and criteria as Cooper and Promise Grants. Serendipity Grants are typically awarded up to $3000 with occasional awards to a maximum of $5,000.  These are awarded on a rolling basis throughout the year while funds are available.

The Cooper Series 2025-2026 Season: Fall Programming

These events are made possible by the William J. Cooper Foundation.

 

Orange Butterflies and Aqua Sequins: Poetry, Music, and Dance with Sanjukta Wagh

In this performance, Mumbai-based performer, choreographer, teacher, and curator Sanjukta Wagh weaves a colourful tapestry of women’s voices across time, cultures and languages – including Noor Jahan Sarwat, Joy Harjo, Ntozake Shange, Bahinabai Chaudhari, Soyarabai, and Arundhathi Subramaniam – followed by a post-performance discussion. The next day’s workshop will use structures inspired by Kathak, Hindustani music, and Bhakti literatures to introduce improvisation as studio-based practice for a dancer, actor, or performance maker.

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