Smithie '89 Up for an Oscar

Cynthia Wade, class of 1989, is nominated for an Oscar in the short documentary category for her film Freeheld. The film follows NJ policewoman Laurel Hester's fight to have her pension transfered to her partner while dying from cancer.

Wade says, “Our film is the story of a dying police officer who wants to give her pension to her partner. She died and never got to see the film. I spoke to her surviving partner today, and she was very emotional. Her case changed the law in parts of New Jersey and the elected official who was against it is now running for Congress, so it’s still very much in the press. Our hope is we can make a difference in the elections. We have to tell this story. Hopefully the Oscar nomination will bring more awareness to couples around the country.”