View photos of Commencement here.
Warren Wilson College celebrated the Class of 2025 at its commencement on Saturday, May 10. 194 students received their degrees this year, including previously-awarded Master of Fine Arts recipients.
After words of welcome from President Damián J. Fernández, and congratulations offered by several others, student speaker Violet Hill shared what she has learned about courage.
“Warren Wilson has supported my authenticity, even when it’s weird. It’s shown me that kindness is courageous, even in small acts. And it’s taught me that embracing failure is learning. … I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know this: If we keep showing up as ourselves, if we keep leading with kindness, and if we keep letting ourselves wobble and fail, we’ll be alright.”
Dr. Colleen J. Shogan, 11th Archivist of the United States, now senior advisor at More Perfect, senior fellow in Civics Education at Stand Together and adjunct professor of Government at Georgetown University, gave the keynote address. She reflected on the challenge of fighting breast cancer, how that experience forged a new kind of resilience in her that saw her through leading a federal agency and being fired by the President of the United States.
“On a personal level, the courage I was able to muster to face hostile congressional hearings, vicious trolls on social media, and public criticism from both political parties didn’t manifest itself from the successes I had experienced in my career. Quite the opposite. The bravery that resides within us comes from facing our worst moments, the trials that test our souls. When we survive those episodes, we develop new skills, perspectives, and strengths we wouldn’t have known about otherwise.”
Shogan served as the vice chair of the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission and chair of the board of directors at the Women’s Suffrage National Monument. She referenced the suffragists’ rallying cry—from darkness into light—in her remarks.
“I can’t think of a better rhetorical construction of resilience than that. At some point in your life, you will face a challenge that will feel insurmountable. You may lose a job. A dream may not come to fruition. An election outcome may devastate you. A personal loss may shake you to your core. When you face a crossroad like this, do not despair.”
After they walked across the stage, the students received white pine tree saplings, a tradition at the college. Just as each graduate leaves the college to go, lay down roots, and grow, they are encouraged to plant the tree away from campus to represent their mark as Warren Wilson graduates in the greater world.
The Honors and Awards ceremony took place on Friday, May 9, recognizing Warren Wilson’s top seniors, faculty, and staff.
Rosemary Thurber was presented the Alton F. Pfaff Award, the college’s highest honor given to a graduating senior. Mae Craig received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, which is presented each year in recognition of a graduating senior’s personal character, integrity, and service to others and their communities.
Associate Professor of Outdoor Leadership and Chair of the Entrepreneurship & Leadership Studies Program Jill Overholt received the Teaching Excellence Award and Assistant Farm Manager Sienna Wire received the Staff Excellence Award.