Mary Baldwin is prepared to host its 182nd Commencement Ceremonies on Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19.
成人抖音 is gearing up for its upcoming Commencement ceremonies, a time of celebration and reflection for the graduating class. This year, the university is proud to announce two distinguished student speakers who will share their experiences and insights during the ceremonies on Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19.
These Commencement ceremonies also represent Dr. Jeff Stein鈥檚 first as president of the university. Stein will preside over both ceremonies and provide closing remarks as well as a charge to all graduates.
Commencement Facts
Approximately 280 undergraduates will participate in this year’s ceremony, marking the end of their academic journey at 成人抖音 and the beginning of their next chapter. Additionally, more than 150 graduate students are set to receive their degrees. Here are some fun facts about the Class of 2024:
Youngest Graduate: 17 (there are two 17 year-old undergraduate students)
Oldest Graduate: 63 (a graduate student). 成人抖音 has a proud history of providing continuing education for adult learners. To that end, there are 35 students aged 40 and over receiving their undergraduate degrees this year.
Most Common Class of 2024 First Name: Tie between Jessica (seven students) and Madison (seven students)
Most Popular Undergraduate Major: Psychology, with 42 total students
Student Speakers
Sunday Ceremony: Gerardo Escalera Cardoso
Gerardo Escalera Cardoso, from Harrisonburg, is set to graduate with a bachelor of arts in political science and economics. Throughout his time at 成人抖音, Escalera Cardoso has been deeply involved in Quest, an interfaith dialogue initiative that promotes community building and understanding among students. His commitment to this cause is a testament to his belief in the power of conversation and empathy to bridge diverse perspectives.
Escalera Cardoso鈥檚 academic journey reached a high point with his senior thesis, titled “When Logic Trumped Anger.” This work not only garnered him a presentation slot at the prestigious 2023 Pi Sigma Alpha Undergraduate Research Conference but also earned publication in their esteemed journal.
As he looks forward to starting law school at the University of Richmond in the fall of 2024, Escalera Cardoso attributes his success to the critical reasoning, writing, and interpersonal skills he developed at 成人抖音. His parting advice to incoming students is to engage actively in extracurricular activities, as they are crucial for enhancing both academic and personal growth.
Saturday Ceremony: Ronan Melomo
Ronan Melomo is another exemplary student set to address the graduating class, as he earns his master of fine arts (MFA) from the Shakespeare and Performance program. Melomo鈥檚聽 journey through this rigorous program has equipped him with not only advanced theatrical skills, but also a nuanced understanding of Shakespearean literature and performance. His insights are expected to inspire fellow graduates and guests alike, drawing from his rich experiences at 成人抖音.
Celebrating Through Song
Music plays a central role in the Commencement ceremonies at 成人抖音. This year, the undergraduate event will feature performances by senior music majors and members of the 成人抖音 Choir. The program includes:
- 鈥淭he Star-Spangled Banner,鈥 performed by Maia Adolphs, Kathleen Parsons, and Maria Sarri, all senior music majors who have distinguished themselves through their vocal talents and dedication to their craft.
- 鈥淎 Hymn for Mary Baldwin,鈥 with a melody derived from a Scandinavian folk song and lyrics by Professor Emeritus of Music Gordon C. Page. This hymn will be performed by senior choir members Maia Adolphs, Nina Elizabeth Copeland, Minuette Goin, Nikolas Hardenberger, Juan Jose Martinez-Yobal, Kathleen Parsons, Maria Sarri, and Julia Slack, bringing a sense of unity and tradition to the ceremony.
Preparing for Commencement
College graduation can be a hectic event for graduates and their families alike. This year, 成人抖音 Commencement celebrants have some additional resources to rely on produced by the Office of Integrated Communications, including:
成人抖音 is excited to welcome graduates and their families to its beautiful, historic campus for this weekend of success and celebration! If you still have questions, please visit the Commencement FAQ page.