President's Charge to Kimberly Wright Cassidy '85

Kimberly Wright Cassidy — you grew up in a small town less than an hour from Swarthmore, the only child of public school teachers. After high school, you were accepted to all of the colleges you applied to, but you chose Swarthmore – and we are thrilled you did.

At Swarthmore, you started as a premed major, played varsity women’s basketball and lacrosse, and fell in love with psychology. After your graduate studies, you joined Bryn Mawr’s faculty in 1993, and we’ve been so fortunate to have you in the TriCo ever since.

As a professor, provost, and president, you steadfastly advocated for women’s education, especially in STEM fields. You also solidified key academic partnerships with nearby community colleges, and advocated for racial and gender inclusion. You have consistently said that women’s colleges play a critical role in preparing students to level the playing field — and through your leadership, you have shown us all how to do just that.

The year after you officially became Bryn Mawr’s president, you spoke at my own inauguration and warmly welcomed me on behalf of Swarthmore alumni to the College. So I am especially delighted to now say:

Kimberly Wright Cassidy, upon the recommendation of the faculty, and by the power vested in me by the Board of Managers of Swarthmore College and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I have the honor to bestow upon you the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.