F&M Stories
Midyear Completion Recognition Ceremony Celebrates Students
Hugs and high fives warmed the chill of a rainy December evening at the Franklin & Marshall College midyear completion recognition and reception (previously known as winter graduation).
Held in the Barshinger Center for Musical Arts Dec. 10, the ceremony recognized students who finished academic requirements ahead of their cohort, or completed an extra term. Students who finalized requirements by Jan. 31 are counted as members of the Class of 2025 and invited to participate in the Commencement ceremony May 10.
As 38 names were announced, F&M President Barbara Altmann congratulated each student as they walked across the Barshinger stage to emphatic applause. A reception at Roschel Performing Arts Center followed.
“Anytime we break with traditional timing, we have an extra opportunity, a special opportunity to pay closer attention to an achievement, to a rite of passage, to an ending and a new beginning,” Altmann said.
“However humble or grand the initiative, you will bring your education, your analytical thinking, your creativity and your integrity to bear,” Altmann said. “You will make a difference. Because that is the Diplomat way.”
Virtual & OnDemand: Graduates received the virtual weblink to share with family and friends unable to attend in person. The program is also available to view on-demand on the F&M Vimeo page.
The midyear completion recognition ceremony celebrates students who finish academic requirements ahead of their cohort, or complete an extra term.
A string quintet opened the ceremony, featuring Jenna Brasee ’25 and Claire Li ’27 on violin, Julia Martin ’25 on viola and Sonja Luyten ’27 on cello.
Hugs and high fives warmed the chill of a rainy December evening at the midyear completion recognition and reception.
Students, family and friends gather outside of Barshinger Center for Musical Arts after the midyear completion recognition and reception.
The midyear completion recognition ceremony celebrates students who finish academic requirements ahead of their cohort, or complete an extra term.
Each participating student walked across the Barshinger stage to emphatic applause.
The midyear completion recognition ceremony celebrates students who finish academic requirements ahead of their cohort, or complete an extra term.
Each participating student walked across the Barshinger stage to emphatic applause.
The midyear completion recognition ceremony celebrates students who finish academic requirements ahead of their cohort, or complete an extra term.
“You’ve traversed a lot of ground to get here, but also still have a long path stretching out joyfully into the future,” said Jon Stone, associate dean of the faculty and professor of Russian.
“It is such an honor to be here to celebrate students who have charted their own path at F&M and are starting their next chapter as Diplomats,” said Drew Stelljes, vice president of student affairs.
Students, family and friends celebrate at a reception in the Roschel Performing Arts Center.
Students, family and friends gather outside of Barshinger Center for Musical Arts after the midyear completion recognition and reception.
Hugs and high fives warmed the chill of a rainy December evening at the midyear completion recognition and reception.
Students, family and friends celebrate at a reception in the Roschel Performing Arts Center.
Students, family and friends celebrate at a reception in the Roschel Performing Arts Center.
Students, family and friends celebrate at a reception in the Roschel Performing Arts Center.
Related Articles
February 23, 2026
NFL’s Troy Vincent Named F&M 2026 Commencement Speaker
Troy Vincent, NFL executive and former cornerback, will share his story with F&M’s Class of 2026 as speaker at the College’s Commencement on May 9. Vincent will receive an honorary degree. His pro career spanned 15 years, including eight exceptional seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.
January 27, 2026
F&M To Honor Three Extraordinary Community Leaders at 2026 Commencement
Franklin & Marshall College is proud to bestow honorary degrees upon three extraordinary individuals whose contributions to one of the oldest cities in the U.S. exemplify the civic spirit at the heart of the College’s mission. F&M will recognize John Fry, Susan Eckert, and Maryann Robins, awarding each an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for their commitment to education and community in the City of Lancaster.
December 10, 2025
F&M Celebrates Midyear Graduates
The campus community gathered Dec. 9 for the midyear completion recognition and reception, applauding students who finished academic requirements ahead of their cohort or completed an extra term.