October 23, 2026

Bennington College mourns the passing of Joan Greenebaum Adler ’40, the College’s oldest alum, who was 108 years old. Joan was a member of Bennington’s fourth graduating class.

Joan’s enduring contributions to the College spanned decades. Her service began as Class Secretary during the 1956–1957 Alumnae Fund Drive, followed shortly by her work on the 25th anniversary fund.

In the 1960s, Joan served as Chicago Regional Chairperson from 1963 to 1965. In 1985, her husband, Arthur “Bud” Adler, Jr., joined the Board of Trustees. Following his death in 1993, Joan succeeded him on the Board, where she served until 2004.

Joan continued her involvement with the College in the years that followed. In 1998, she served as a Chicago Regional Campaign Volunteer and hosted events in the city. She also served as a member of the 2010 All-Class Reunion Committee.

Joan leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service, generosity, and connection. We are profoundly grateful for the many ways she helped strengthen Bennington College and its community.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Joan’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy will continue to inspire the Bennington community for generations to come.

To read more about Joan and her remarkable life, please see her obituary.