Connecticut College will award diplomas to more than 430 new graduates at the College's 94th Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 20. About 4,500 friends, family members, faculty and alumni are expected to gather on the College's Jean C. Tempel '65 Green for the 10:35 a.m. processional and 11 a.m. ceremony. Guests are asked to arrive by 10 a.m.
Louis B. Susman, the U.S. ambassador to the Court of St. James in London, will deliver the keynote address. He was nominated for the honor by a committee of students, faculty and staff. Susman has a strong connection to Connecticut College through his daughter, Sally Susman, a 1984 graduate of the College who served on the Board of Trustees from 2002 to 2011.
President Leo I. Higdon Jr. and graduating senior Brenner Green of Lisbon, Conn., will also speak to the graduates and their guests. In addition to the conferring of degrees, Commencement celebrations include the presentation of several prestigious Connecticut College awards, including the highest honor the College can bestow: the College Medal, presented to individuals whose accomplishments or service have enhanced the College's reputation and nourished its growth.
Among other Commencement traditions long enjoyed by the College community are the saplings presented to the graduates, which serve as a representation of their continuing connection to the College, and the laurel chain - held by members of the junior class - through which the procession marches. Following the ceremony, the new graduates and their guests are invited to a luncheon on the Library Green.
In the event of significant rain, the Commencement ceremony will take place in Palmer Auditorium. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the Commencement Web page.