Capping Off an Unusual Academic Year

by Ryan Dougherty
Swarthmore’s 194th Commencement ceremony on June 6 was held virtually, as a result of COVID-19. But the online tribute followed a celebration at Swarthmore’s Mertz Field on May 30, during which the seniors shared their achievements with family and friends.

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.

President Valerie Smith dressed in commencement regalia elbow-bumping a graduate wearing a cap and gown and facemask
laurence kesterson

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.”

Reflecting on one of the most unusual academic years in College history, let’s examine these celebrations of the Class of 2021 by the numbers.

1,150:

Approximate number of chairs (color-coded for faculty, students, and guests) and program cards at the in-person celebration.

800:

Approximate number of ponchos distributed during the rainy event.
342:
Graduating seniors, each of whom received a package containing a diploma, a T-shirt, an alumni decal, and a congratulations packet from the Swarthmore Libraries.
320:
Approximate number of students who elbow-bumped President Valerie Smith upon crossing the stage at the in-person celebration.

292:

Seniors who submitted photos for the Commencement video.

65:

International and permanent resident students from 30 countries.

66:

Students who were first in their family to graduate from college.

61:

Students receiving honors.

60:

Students with the most popular major, economics — one more than computer science.

43:

States represented by students, in addition to Washington, D.C.

1:

Playing of Semisonic’s “Closing Time,” to conclude the campus celebration (which had its own Spotify playlist).

1,150:

Approximate number of chairs (color-coded for faculty, students, and guests) and program cards at the in-person celebration.

800:
Approximate number of ponchos distributed during the rainy event.
342:
Graduating seniors, each of whom received a package containing a diploma, a T-shirt, an alumni decal, and a congratulations packet from the Swarthmore Libraries.
320:
Approximate number of students who elbow-bumped President Valerie Smith upon crossing the stage at the in-person celebration.
292:
Seniors who submitted photos for the Commencement video.
65:
International and permanent resident students from 30 countries.

66:

Students who were first in their family to graduate from college.
61:
International and permanent resident students from 30 countries.
60:
Students with the most popular major, economics — one more than computer science.

43:

States represented by students, in addition to Washington, D.C.
27:
Students with at least one parent who is an alum.
1:
Playing of Semisonic’s “Closing Time,” to conclude the campus celebration (which had its own Spotify playlist).

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)

FULL COMMENCEMENT COVERAGE: bit.ly/SwatGrad2021
Back to Full Issue
Table of Contents
Next Article