■J. W. Simpkin, currently associate treasurer of Smith College, has been appointed to the newly created position of director of personnel services. The college has also named Louis R. Morrell as the new associate treasurer of the college, succeeding Simpkin.
■The group “Steel” will perform at the Undercroft at St. John’s Church on Friday. Four young musicians form the group. They are: Andy Wiernasz, drummer, who provides the beat and vocalizes; Roger Lobdell, lead guitarist, piano and vocalist who does most of the writing; Jake Raymond, bassist providing the throbbing background for vocalists; and Steve Sienkiewicz, organ player, electric piano and vocals.
■Northampton School Superintendent Bruce E. Willard told the School Committee last night that the opening of school went smoothly in all six schools in the district. All told, there were 3,068 students enrolled as of Sept. 11, he said. That’s down from 3,108 at this time last year.
■A retired Smith College professor who has long seen Forbes Library as the “one worthy cause” of his life, will give $100,000 toward a massive renovation project. While officials are declining to reveal the donor’s name until the drive’s kickoff event Friday, they described his long attachment to the library, including its reference room.