Rebecca Claire Brill Weitz
Performance Design and Technology self-designed major from Bedford, Massachusetts
14 seniors named Winthrop Scholars
Continuing a tradition that dates back to 1928, Connecticut College has honored 14 seniors as Winthrop Scholars.
The designation of Winthrop Scholar is the highest academic honor bestowed by the College. Reserved for students who demonstrate exceptional scholarship, the honor is named for John Winthrop the Younger, who founded the city of New London and served as governor of Connecticut.
Winthrop Scholars are also the first members of their class selected for membership in Phi Beta Kappa, the national honor society of undergraduate higher education.
At a Feb. 15 ceremony recognizing the scholars, President Katherine Bergeron said she was honored to celebrate the “newest members of the oldest honor society” in the United States.
Joyce Bennett, assistant professor of anthropology, delivered the keynote address. She told the students about how, after an exchange with three men from an indigenous culture in Mexico, she decided to learn an indigenous language in Guatemala. That experience led her down a winding path to a career in anthropology.
“You are the people who have really learned how to talk the academic talk, and you have shown that to us time and time again,” Bennett said. “Putting that talk into action—walking the walk—is the next step.”
Professor of Philosophy Lawrence Vogel, president of the College’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, led the ceremony honoring the scholars.
“Each Winthrop Scholar represents a shining success story in the College’s history of academic excellence,” he said.
