Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

With Commencement behind us, I want to thank all those involved for once again making the weekend a success. Even with the extra logistical challenges caused by what seemed at times like unrelenting rain, you helped make it a special celebration for our seniors and their parents, family members, and loved ones.

I’m especially grateful to all of you who volunteered your time during the holiday weekend to support the ceremony itself, as well as the members of our Commencement Committee and colleagues across the Scott Arboretum & Gardens, the Campus & Community Store, Communications, Dining Services, Environmental Services, Events Management, Facilities, Grounds, the Lang Performing Arts Center, the President's Office, Print Services, the Provost's Office, Public Safety, and the Division of Student Affairs, particularly in the areas of Academic Success and Student Life. 

Videos, photographs, speeches, and other moments from the ceremony are available on the College's social media channels and the Commencement site.

I’d be remiss not to acknowledge the disruptions that occurred during parts of Sunday’s ceremony, which were similar to those we’ve experienced the past two years. I appreciate that there are a range of views as to whether Commencement is the appropriate time and place for such interruptions. Regardless of where you fall on that spectrum, please know that the College remains committed to peaceful protest and free expression, and to the ongoing work of listening across differences and moving forward together.  

Many of you who worked so hard on this weekend’s events now must turn your attention to Alumni Weekend. I am confident that, working with our colleagues in Advancement, you will make it yet another joyful celebration for our alumni and their family members and guests. My thanks in advance for your ongoing commitment to the College and our community members.

I hope that the end of the academic year will provide you all some space and time to rest and recharge. 

My best, 

Val Smith
President
Roy J. and Linda G. Shanker Presidential Chair