F&M Stories

Home / Commencement / Commencement Archive / Commencement 2016 / Franklin & Marshall – Senior Spotlight: Inspired by Seeing the Obstacles Others Have Overcome

Senior Spotlight: Inspired by Seeing the Obstacles Others Have Overcome

As they prepare for their May 7 Commencement Ceremony, Franklin & Marshall seniors look back at their four years on campus—and what's next.

Name: Cameron Rutledge '16

Major: Chemistry

Hometown: Miami, Fla.

Activities at F&M: Member of Miami STEM Posse 1, IMPACT, Black Student Union, Benjamin Rush Medical Honor Society, Rho Alpha Sigma, Hall Adviser and Orientation Planning Director in Brooks College House, Class Representative on the Brooks College House Congress, Chemistry preceptor, F&M College Prep facilitator, Next Generation Initiative peer mentor, Squash ACES mentor

What was your most memorable moment or time at F&M? Annually, the brothers of IMPACT go on a retreat to Black Rock. It's a great bonding experience as we get to participate in a ropes course while learning one another's stories. It has been my honor to learn the obstacles many of my closest friends have overcome to be here at F&M today. Being at Black Rock with these individuals who have overcome so much pushes me to overcome my own fears, work as a team and be a better person. It has truly been inspiring and life changing.

What did you enjoy most about the College? I loved meeting new people from all over the nation and all around the world. College was a space where we could all come together and learn from one another. I enjoyed the personal growth that came out of meeting new people, sharing and creating new experiences.

What are your plans for after graduation? I will spend a year in South Africa (Cape Town and Khayelitsha) as an intern with the Christopher T. Campbell Foundation, implementing youth development programs that incorporate life lessons and soccer.

Related Articles

April 9, 2026

Father and Son Have a Rich Tradition in Academic Leadership

On April 11, Andrew Rich will be inaugurated as the 17th president of Franklin & Marshall College. Andy’s dad, Dan Rich, who had a 50-year career at the University of Delaware (UD), will introduce his son during the F&M investiture ceremony.

April 8, 2026

$3.2 Million Gift Launches Mehlman Leadership and Performance Institute

A gift from F&M Board Vice Chair Ken Mehlman ’88 will establish the Mehlman Leadership and Performance Institute at Franklin & Marshall College. The Institute will be anchored by a new cohort-based fellowship program designed to develop the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and engaged citizens through real-world externships and experiential learning.

April 7, 2026

Explore F&M at Admitted Student Days: April 10 and 18

Attention, Class of 2030! Take an inside look of campus at F&M Unlocked: Admitted Student Days on April 10 and April 18. Enjoy tours, classroom sessions and a research fair featuring current student projects.