F&M Stories

Video by Andrew Bilindabagabo

 

Applause and emphatic cheers filled the Barshinger Center for Musical Arts Dec. 12 to celebrate 51 winter graduates of Franklin & Marshall College. 

The ceremony recognizes students who complete academic requirements ahead of their cohort, or complete an extra term. Students who fulfill requirements by Jan. 31 are counted as members of the Class of 2024 and invited to participate in the Commencement ceremony May 11. A reception at the Roschel Performing Arts Center followed.

Prior to handing out diplomas, F&M President Barbara Altmann asked students: “What does it mean to be a Diplomat?” 

“It means being able to move fluidly between cultures and among cultures. It means bridging between different languages, different fields of study, different fields of expertise, different cultures and different points of origin,” she said. “It means transforming disruption into opportunity.” 

In a closing benediction, Director or Faith & Meaning Joseph Pritchett encouraged members of the graduating cohort to “let your passion and the world's needs, your kindness and your curiosity guide you along the way.”

“May the journey ahead be filled with continued discovery and growth,” he said. 

View the winter graduation photo gallery.

Watch a recording of the ceremony.

Franklin & Marshall College celebrated winter graduates at a Dec. 12 ceremony at the Barshinger Center for Musical Arts.

What does it mean to be a Diplomat? “It means bridging between different languages, different fields of study, different fields of expertise, different cultures and different points of origin,” said F&M President Barbara Altmann.

Franklin & Marshall College celebrated winter graduates at a Dec. 12 ceremony at the Barshinger Center for Musical Arts. A reception at the Roschel Performing Arts Center followed.

Eve Sheaffer ’24, soprano, sings the Alma Mater at the Franklin & Marshall winter graduation recognition ceremony.

Franklin & Marshall College celebrated winter graduates at a Dec. 12 ceremony at the Barshinger Center for Musical Arts. A reception at the Roschel Performing Arts Center followed.

2023 Dewey Award recipient Susan-Dicklitch-Nelson, professor of government, provided closing remarks at the winter graduation recognition ceremony.

Hugs and high fives warmed the chill of December at Franklin & Marshall College’s winter graduation recognition ceremony.

Franklin & Marshall College celebrated winter graduates at a Dec. 12 ceremony at the Barshinger Center for Musical Arts.

Franklin & Marshall College celebrated winter graduates at a Dec. 12 ceremony at the Barshinger Center for Musical Arts.

Hugs and high fives warmed the chill of December at Franklin & Marshall College’s winter graduation recognition ceremony.

Hugs and high fives warmed the chill of December at Franklin & Marshall College’s winter graduation recognition ceremony.

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Benediction by Joseph Pritchett, director or faith & meaning: 

May you leave here today, first, with gratitude in your hearts. 

May you be grateful for the people and experience that have formed you, grateful for the days behind you that have helped to make this day possible, grateful for all that today represents and grateful for what you might receive in the days ahead. 

I ask that you go from this place being ever mindful of how it has formed you. 

May the journey ahead be filled with continued discovery and growth. 

May you face challenges with resilience and embrace success with humility. 

Let your passion and the world's needs, your kindness and your curiosity guide you along the way. 

So now let us leave here in the spirit of love, gratitude, accomplishment and possibility.