Scripps College celebrated 244 graduating seniors and welcomed them to the alumnae community at the 89th annual commencement exercises on May 18, 2019.
Those who completed their eligibility requirements to graduate in summer 2018, fall 2018, and spring 2019 walked in the ceremony. The top five majors among the Class of 2019 were politics; Spanish, Latin American, and Caribbean literatures and cultures; media studies; psychology; and biology.
Chair of the Board of Trustees Lynne Thompson ’72 and President Lara Tiedens welcomed graduates and guests.
Tiedens thanked graduating seniors for embodying the vision of Scripps’ founder, Ellen Browning Scripps, who envisioned an educational community that would equip its students to live lives of leadership, service, integrity, and creativity. “Through you, Scripps is continuing its tradition of celebrating the life of the mind, celebrating creativity, and developing humane and compassionate leaders for the future,” Tiedens said. She also thanked faculty, staff, and families.
Kira Knowles Gabriel ’19, senior class speaker, discussed systemic social justice issues and credited her fellow students for how their passion and activism has improved the College for future generations of Scripps students.
President of USAFacts Poppy MacDonald ’97 gave the commencement address, “The Surprising Rewards of an Unexpected Path.” She advised graduates to “take the hard jobs. Build something out of nothing, whatever that means to you.”
Vice President for Academic Affairs Amy Marcus-Newhall and Vice President for Student Affairs Charlotte H. Johnson conferred degrees on the 2019 graduates.
Associate Professor of Music Charles W. Kamm led those gathered in singing Thy Many Gifts and conducted the Royal Brass Quintet in Handel’s March.
Graduates and their guests capped out the celebration with dinner and dancing.
For the full photo gallery, click here.