Capping Off an Unusual Academic Year
The events represented the culmination of four years of exploration and growth for seniors, spirited instruction and collaboration with the faculty, and multifaceted support of staff members from across campus.
forever be proud: “You are venturing into a world of extraordinary uncertainty, but also of great promise and infinite possibility,” President Valerie Smith said in her Commencement address. “You will leave here and form a union with purpose. And we will forever be proud to call you graduates of Swarthmore College.”
1,150:
Approximate number of chairs (color-coded for faculty, students, and guests) and program cards at the in-person celebration.
800:
292:
Seniors who submitted photos for the Commencement video.
65:
66:
Students who were first in their family to graduate from college.
61:
60:
43:
1:
1,150:
Approximate number of chairs (color-coded for faculty, students, and guests) and program cards at the in-person celebration.
66:
43:
A Point of Honor
President Valerie Smith awarded 2021 honorary degrees to three distinguished recipients:
Elizabeth Anderson ’81, a philosopher who examines how evolving concepts of freedom and equality are experienced in our daily lives. (bit.ly/EAnderson81)
Dr. Rachel Levine, the assistant secretary of health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the first openly transgender federal official to receive Senate confirmation. (bit.ly/RLevineSwat)
Dawn Porter ’88, an award-winning filmmaker and the co-founder of Trilogy Films, a production company that specializes in social-justice documentaries and independent feature films. (bit.ly/DawnPorter88)