Introduction

I am pleased to introduce Drake Roth as the 2025 senior class speaker. 

An Honors English literature and physics major from New York City, Drake distinguished himself as a Writing Associates Fellow, co-editor-in-chief of The Swarthmore Review, vice president of the Pan-Asian Association, and a research and teaching assistant in multiple departments.

He is the recipient of both the Kaori Kitao Humanities Research Fellowship, which took him to Australia to study Taiko drumming, and the Carl Grossman Summer Opportunity Fund for his work in physics education research. He is also a recipient of the Joshua Lippincott Fellowship, which will support his graduate studies.

Beyond Swarthmore, Drake has focused his time and energy on advocacy and cultural leadership as a fellow and programming officer with the National Korean Student Alliance.

Drake’s wide-ranging interests and deep community engagement reflect the very best of Swarthmore, and we are proud to welcome him to the stage today.