Saying goodbye to Jennifer Doudna after Commencement 2019, �ֲ���ý biologist Larissa Williams called out, “I can’t wait to hear about your Nobel!”

Well, that didn’t take long. On Wednesday, the 2020 and research colleague Emmanuelle Charpentier for their discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 technology, a radically accessible approach to editing the DNA of any organism.

During Commencement weekend in 2019, Williams, an associate professor of biology, had the honor of serving as Doudna’s faculty host. A traditional Commencement role, the faculty host helps the visiting dignitary feel at ease, welcomed, and well-guided through the many and varied weekend events.

At the honorand dinner the night before Commencement, held at the downtown Royal Oak Room, each faculty host offers a welcoming tribute to their guest, followed by a toast. In her remarks, Williams put Doudna’s groundbreaking work into lay terms.

Williams described how Doudna and her colleagues were able to “uncover a gene editing process that already existed in nature.”

That process was found in bacteria and archaea, which had developed a primitive immune system as a defense against attacking viruses. Simply put, these organisms would “cut up invading viruses,” Williams said. From that, the researchers were able to “figure out how this system worked and then how to manipulate it to edit DNA from any organism.”

The resulting technology, known as CRISPR-Cas9, is “a set of molecular scissors that can cut and edit the genome of any organism on earth,” said Williams. “This technology has been used worldwide to not only understand biology, but change biology as we know it.”

For example, “agricultural crops are being made hardier in their response to drought, mutations are being accurately corrected in laboratory cancer cell lines, and the yield of biofuel from algae has been doubled.”

With the discovery of CRISPR and its “unimaginable utility” has come the “recognition of the ethics of its use, especially in humans. Dr. Doudna has risen to the challenge of being involved in those conversations.”

At �ֲ���ý today, students and faculty routinely use the CRISPR technology. For Williams, it allows her students to “edit any gene they desire in zebrafish in a matter of hours.” Before CRISPR, “a single gene knockout and the characterization of that effect would take an entire Ph.D. thesis to complete.”

And this fall, more than 50 students are working with Assistant Professor of Biology and Neuroscience Martin Kruse in two sections of his course “Gene Editing in Biology and Neuroscience.” Kruse reports that his students have been some impressed to know of Doudna’s connection to �ֲ���ý. 

Among other topics, Kruse’s students are looking at the evolution of CRISPR techniques and various approaches used to deliver DNA-modifying enzymes into an organism. They’re also discussing ethical implications of genome editing techniques for society.

In 2019, in presenting the citation for Doudna’s honorary degree at Commencement, Dean of the Faculty Malcolm Hill noted that “scarcely a day passes without news coverage” touting the “revolutionary potential” of the CRISPR technology.  And “not a single day passes without our guest thinking deeply about the nature of her work and its possible consequences — and urging us to do the same.”

As the college year ticks down to a close (the end of the giving year is June 30), here’s a top-10 countdown of the �ֲ���ý News stories, from last August to now, with the most views.

10. A year ahead of schedule, �ֲ���ý achieves carbon neutrality (May 16, 2019)

Out of some 700 U.S. colleges and universities to sign a carbon-neutrality pledge in 2007, �ֲ���ý is one of only seven to date that have reached that goal.

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Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

Twenty-five �ֲ���ý students and alumni have been offered Fulbright awards for 2019–20, matching the college’s record from 2017.

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An internationally renowned biochemist, Commencement speaker Jennifer Doudna is a leading public voice in the emerging discussion of the societal and ethical implications of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology.

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Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

For the Class of 2023 that arrives this August, the college received a record-setting 8,222 applications, topping last year’s record total by 7 percent.

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Science fiction, magical realism, history, politics, graphic novels — whatever gets you reading till your eyes are sore or sleepy, the �ֲ���ý community has a book recommendation for you.

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Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

The U.S. has 11 nuclear-powered carriers, and a �ֲ���ý grad commands one of them: the USS Gerald R. Ford, the Navy’s newest and the world’s largest carrier.

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U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eric M. Butler

The faculty promotions offer “outstanding examples of the consequential scholarship and creative work going on at �ֲ���ý,” said Dean of the Faculty Malcolm Hill.

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Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

3. Favorite 2018 images from �ֲ���ý photographers Phyllis Graber Jensen and Theophil Syslo (Jan. 1, 2019)

Our fourth annual �ֲ���ý Photographers’ Favorites list featured 20 photographs from 2018 that tried to answer the question, “What makes a photograph your favorite?”

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Theophil Syslo/�ֲ���ý College

Another summer weekend, another alumni wedding in the Gomes Chapel. But this time, we were there to tell the story, of best �ֲ���ý friends who became much more.

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Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

The celebration began with a record number of admission applications. It peaked in August as the 550 members of the Class of 2022 arrived on campus.

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Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

In October 1998, Halsey Platt ’88 was back on campus for Back to �ֲ���ý Weekend with his wife, Julie Sutherland Platt ’88, and their 21-month-old toddler son, Gordon.

As Gordon sat happily on Halsey’s shoulders, classmate Marc Glass ’88 took their photo.

Halsey recalls how he felt that day: “I was so happy to return to �ֲ���ý, to a place I love, and share Julie’s and my joy, manifested in Gordon, with people that I love.”

Twenty-one years later, Gordon is now also �ֲ���ý graduate, along with his fellow 468 classmates of the Class of 2019, all of whom received their diplomas last Sunday.

And last Saturday, on Commencement eve, father and son recreated that 1998 photo (as they also did in August 2015, the day that Gordon and his classmates arrived at �ֲ���ý.)

“It was nice to have a personal moment with just my parents amidst the busyness of the weekend,” says Gordon, whose brother, Alex, will be a �ֲ���ý sophomore in the fall.

Says Halsey, “Recreating these photos makes me understand that Gordon has unexpectedly multiplied Julie’s and my joy, creating his own deep connection to this special place — to his special people. And so, there is joy, belonging, and connection created through returning, sharing, and multiplying.”

For Gordon, the quietude of Saturday gave way to big emotions on Sunday as he marched onto the Historic Quad with his classmates.

“As I walked up to the Quad and reflected on everything I had done at �ֲ���ý and memories I had made there, as well as the memories my parents had made at the same place, I began to cry. It really has been an incredible time, and being able to share it with my parents is all the more special.”

Posing on May 25, the day before Commencement, are Gordon Platt ’19 and his parents, Julie Sutherland Platt ’88 and Halsey Platt ’88. (Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College)

Each year, the graduating class at �ֲ���ý elects a member of the faculty or staff to speak at Baccalaureate, held the day before graduation.

This year’s speaker was Francisco “Franky” Urueta, a member of the college’s Facility Services staff.

Well-known at �ֲ���ý, Urueta is a custodian who works the late-evening shift in one of �ֲ���ý’ busiest academic buildings, Pettengill Hall, where he always makes time to greet students with a kind word and his signature fist bumps.

Video by Theophil Syslo

As Multifaith Chaplain Brittany Longsdorf said in her introduction at Baccalaureate, Urueta is “living proof that the smallest kind gesture can transform someone’s day, someone’s entire college experience, and someone’s life.”

An Apache Native American, Urueta used his address to talk about his path from California to Maine, and he urged the seniors “to give positive energy to people” so that “they give you positive energy back.”

Baccalaureate Address by Franky Urueta on May 25, 2019

From processional to recessional, watch video clips of the entire 153rd Commencement, held May 26, 2019.

Table of Contents

1. Processional
2. Welcome by President Clayton Spencer
3. Senior Address by Claire Naughton
4. Travis Mills receives honorary degree
5. Megan Smith receives honorary degree
6. Jennifer Doudna receives honorary degree
7. Commencement Address by Jennifer Doudna
8. Commencement Choir: “In My Life”
9. Conferral of Degrees
10. The turning of the tassels
11. Presentation of the Senior Gift
12. Alumni Association Welcome
13. Benediction
14. Recessional

Procession

The ceremonies associated with Commencement date back to medieval times. The senior faculty member bears the mace, a symbol of power and authority, at the front of the procession. The president of the college, the honorands, their hosts, the dean of the faculty, the multifaith chaplain, the president of the Alumni Association, and the trustees follow. They are themselves followed by two faculty marshals, senior college officials, and the faculty, and finally by two junior marshals and the graduating class.

Welcome by President Spencer

“What I am most proud of, beyond these impressive facts and figures, are the human qualities you embody — your adventurous spirits, your creativity, your generosity, and your drive to justice,” President Clayton Spencer said. “Most of all, I love your joy in, and caring for, one another.”

Senior Address by Claire Naughton

�ֲ���ý, Naughton said, is “the place that taught us to crave the freedom of flight. And now we’re standing on the edge of a tower overlooking an ocean. And just on the horizon line you can see everything you’ve ever wanted to be.

“It’s time to believe in yourself and your victories and failures. It’s time to feel the heat of the sun on your back. It’s time to jump.”

Travis Mills receives his honorary degree

Travis Mills is a Maine resident and Army veteran who became a quadruple amputee in combat and is now an advocate for combat-injured veterans.

Megan Smith receives her honorary degree

Megan Smith is the CEO of shift7 and a former Google executive and U.S. chief technology officer. She is a visionary for tech innovation, collaboration, education, and inclusivity.

Jennifer Doudna receives her honorary degree

Jennifer Doudna is an internationally renowned biochemist who is the co-inventor of the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology and a leading public voice in the discussion of its societal and ethical implications.

Commencement Address by Jennifer Doudna

Whatever field you go into, Doudna said, involve yourselves in the broad public discourse about the “topics you care deeply about.”

“We must rebuild public trust in our work, and we must explain to our fellow citizens why our work matters, not just to publish the next academic article or to make the next advance in our field, but truly to advance human knowledge and to improve the human condition.”

Commencement Choir: “In My Life”

The Commencement Choir, conducted by Lecturer in Music John Corrie, performed an a cappella��rendition of The Beatles’ “In My Life.”

Conferral of degrees

469 members of the Class of 2019 received degrees. They come from 36 U.S. states and another 36 countries.

The turning of the tassels

In moving the tassels on their caps from right to left, the members of the Class of 2019 received their degrees.

Presentation of the Senior Gift

Senior Gift Co-Chairs Erika Lamere, Elizah Laurenceau, and Taylor Lough announced a new participation record for a senior class, at 92.5 percent, representing 434 members of the class, who donated a total of $6,246.

Alumni Association welcome

“�ֲ���ý alumni have been key to the strength of our college since its founding,” said Larry Handerhan ’05, president of the Alumni Council. “So I encourage you to stay engaged, stay curious, stay connected — and seek the joy in this place and the people and ideas it introduced you to.

“Your path after �ֲ���ý will not be linear — but everywhere you turn, you will find a �ֲ���ýie holding the door for you.”

Benediction

“May you be a stout, unlit candle,” said Multifaith Chaplain Brittany Longsdorf, “where passion and purpose can ignite and burn without ceasing.”

Recessional

The Atlantic Clarion Steel Band launched a rocking number to get the recessional into gear.

7:36 a.m. All hands on deck

It’s bright and early, and Geoff Swift, �ֲ���ý’ vice president for finance and administration and treasurer, is putting out some of the thousands of programs that will guide graduates, family, and friends through the Commencement ceremony.

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

7:47 a.m. Sealing the deal

One of the most visible parts of Commencement pageantry is the seal of the college, shown being hoisted by a Genie load lifter onto the facade of Coram Library.

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

7:49 a.m. Everything in order

Facility Services staff bring the diplomas to the stage in front of Coram Library. Registrar Mary Meserve (right) will go through them to make sure, one last time, that everything is in order.

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

8:40 a.m. Can’ts into cans onto cap

Decorating one’s mortarboard is a growing and poignant trend at �ֲ���ý. Here, Lauren Drumgold of New York City displays hers: ”She turned her cants into cans and her dreams into a plan.”

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

8:42 a.m. Finishing touches

Many of the graduating seniors have been up all night.��First there was Midnight Madness, a giant party on the Ladd Plaza, then a 2 a.m. senior breakfast in Commons, then the traditional final hike up Mount David — and, through it all, the mad dash to tie up loose ends and say goodbye to old friends.

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

Now there’s a moment of calm as the graduates wend their way out of Commons or dorms and begin to line up on Alumni Walk. The procession into the Commencement ceremony doesn’t begin until 9:30, so Daniel Fichmann of New York City can take his time helping Arianna Faro ’19 of Lincolnshire, Ill., adjust her tassel.

8:55 a.m. Pre-processional

While the graduating seniors are lining up on Alumni Walk, faculty, senior college officials, and honorary degree recipients don their Commencement regalia in Pettengill Hall.

Shown having a quick word with �ֲ���ý President Clayton Spencer, Charles Franklin Phillips Professor of Economics Michael Murray has a special role to play. As the most senior member of the faculty, he is the mace bearer, leading the procession into the ceremony.

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

A medieval symbol of power and authority, the �ֲ���ý mace was a gift to the college from the Class of 1904. Its decorations and engravings indicate such information as the past presidents of the college, the major academic divisions, and the number of states in the Union.

8:59 a.m. The last long line

By the time of the procession, the graduates are supposed to be lined up in alphabetical order, but most can’t help darting a few places up and down the line to see friends and take pictures.

Kudzaiishe Irene Mapfunde of Harare, Zimbabwe (right), receives a hug from Abby Myers of Pawtucket, R.I.

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

9:15 a.m. Capturing the moment

The lines of graduates on both sides of Alumni Walk create a kind of tunnel for passing families, faculty and staff, and fellow students — a great opportunity to get some candid and not-so-candid photos.

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

9:21 a.m. A minor adjustment

Associate Dean of Students for International Student Programs James Reese stands on Alumni Walk, helping to move the line forward as well as greeting and congratulating the students who go by.

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

9:29 a.m. Howdy, marshal

As the procession begins, junior class marshal Maya Seshan of Wilton, Conn., leads the Class of 2019 onto the Historic Quad. Elected by her classmates and destined to step up as senior marshal next year, Seshan is joined by fellow junior marshal Jin Wei.��

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

9:41 a.m. Processing in

The graduates have actually lined up from Z (Zupancic) to A (Abbott). Once they’ve wrapped around the Historic Quad, faculty and administrators come through the student line, which then folds in on itself, now walking A to Z, to follow the faculty.

Near the head of the procession to the Coram Library Terrace, �ֲ���ý President Clayton Spencer greets the graduates.

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

9:43 a.m. Play, the piper

Piper Tom Ryan on the steps of Hathorn plays during the processional on Alumni Walk where students have lined up.

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

9:54 a.m. Family photo

As the graduates process in, extended family from around the country and the world take their seats on chairs that extend from Coram Library Terrace halfway across the Quad.

Family members of Nana Afua Sekyere of Tampa, Fla., pose for a picture just before the ceremony gets underway. From left, cousin Yaw Poku, uncle Kofi Opoku, and cousin Tony Safo.

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

10:31 a.m. Symbolic hood

President Clayton Spencer has welcomed the graduates and their families, and senior speaker Claire Naughton ’19 has urged her classmates to don their wings and leap into the future. Now, it’s time to confer honorary degrees.

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

The first two honorands were Travis Mills,�� a Maine resident and Army veteran who became a quadruple amputee in combat and is now an advocate for combat-injured veterans; and Megan Smith,��CEO of shift7 and a former Google executive and U.S. chief technology officer who is a visionary for tech innovation, collaboration, education, and inclusivity.

Michael Murray now places a hood on DNA-editing pioneer Jennifer Doudna, the Commencement speaker. The hood’s yellow color signifies gold, a callback to the medieval practice of alchemy.

10:48 a.m. 469 strong

Four hundred sixty-nine members of the Class of 2019 received degrees on May 26. Thirty-six states and 36 countries were represented, and 10 percent of the graduates were the first in their families to go to college.

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

Two-thirds studied abroad during their time at �ֲ���ý, 94 double-majored, one triple-majored (see below), and 41 received departmental honors for their senior theses. Forty percent played a varsity sport, and 20 won Fulbright awards. They took 232 community-engaged learning courses.

“What I am most proud of, beyond these impressive facts and figures, are the human qualities you embody,” �ֲ���ý President Clayton Spencer said in her welcome. “Your adventurous spirits, your creativity, your generosity, and your drive for justice. Most of all, I love your joy in, and caring for, one another.”

10:50 a.m. Four-year handshake

Rohan Bhat of Mumbai, a double major in philosophy and in classical and medieval studies, accepts his diploma from President Clayton Spencer.

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

11:02 a.m. It’s really there

Joseph Frake of St. Petersburg, Fla., who majored in politics, walks back to his seat after receiving his diploma.

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

11:04 a.m. Assembly line

Faculty marshals Kirk Read, professor of French and francophone studies; and Georgia Nigro, professor of psychology, help get the next set of diplomas ready to hand out.

The honor of faculty marshal — and the job of leading the procession of faculty and helping distribute diplomas — “is bestowed on a senior faculty member who has an admiration and respect for the official ceremonies of the college, including commencements, convocations, presidential inaugurations, and any other events that call for an academic procession.”

This is Read’s first turn as a faculty marshal; he stepped in for a colleague who couldn’t make it.

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

Read says he knew about leading the procession but “never paid attention to the diploma part. The craziness of making sure the name called was the name on the diploma that Georgia passed me did get to feel a bit as the names kept coming, the diplomas circulating, and Clayton’s urgent, expecting hand reaching back hopefully.

“Georgia was the perfect calm in the storm.”

11:29 a.m. Victory

In triumph, Myles Smith of New York City, who majored in English, holds his diploma aloft.

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

11:42 a.m. Turning tassels

Following giving out diplomas, Spencer tells the graduates to move their tassels from left to right — signifying that they have received a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science.

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

From left, Nathanael Kuzio ’19 of Moretown, Vt., Ceria Kurtz of Jakarta, Indonesia, and Emerson Krull of Santa Monica, Calif., happily oblige.

11:49 a.m. Marshaling success

As the Atlantic Clarion Steel Band injects some pep into the recessional, the last set of marshals, the senior marshals, lead the newly graduated seniors away. They are��Katharine Gaillard of Boston and Michael Driscal Jr. of Cleveland.

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

11:57 a.m. Hugs goodbye

One of the more poignant Commencement traditions is that, when they recess, the graduates pass through two lines of faculty — an opportunity for thank-yous and goodbyes.

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

Professor of Mathematics Peter Wong sees a student off with a hug.

12:03 a.m. All comes true

Right after Commencement, family members surround Kingdell Valdez of North Andover, Mass., on the steps of Hathorn Hall.

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

“You are the most important one, the one who made it all come true,” he told his mother.

12:12 a.m. Triple major, triple friends

The one triple major of the Class of 2019, Max Huang of Suzhou, China, is hoisted aloft by three friends from the Class of 2018,��Deepsing Syangtan, Maria-Anna Chrysovergi, and Salim Ourari.

Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College

Huang majored in math, economics, and physics and is headed to a doctoral program at Northwestern. He’s in good company.��Syangtan is a doctoral student in chemistry at MIT, Chrysovergi is a research technician at Massachusetts General Hospital,��and��Ourari is a doctoral student in electrical engineering at Princeton.

Some decorate their caps for fun, or to give a shout-out to an activity. Others express love and gratitude to friends and family; still more decorate their mortarboards to express identity, or triumph over adversity.

See how six seniors from the Class of 2019 decorated their grad caps.

Miranda Padilla

“Because of you, I get to walk. Gracias, Mom & Dad, TS & TM.”

Miranda Padilla of Midland, Texas, wanted to honor the family that made it possible to go to �ֲ���ý.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the sacrifices of my grandparents and parents, so I wanted to dedicate my grad cap to them,” she said.

Samantha Malone

Samantha Malone of Sacramento, Calif., wasn’t allowed to decorate her cap for her high school graduation, so she decided to go for it this year. Malone and her roommate went to a craft store on Friday, bought flowers, and got to work.

“I have a hot glue gun, so why not?” she said.

Jachai Carter

“We are the grandchildren of the slaves they couldn’t kill.”

Jachai Carter of Chicago went to a workshop at the Office of Intercultural Education on Thursday and, with the help of OIE Director and Associate Dean Julisa De Los Santos, made a cap that spoke to Carter’s heritage and experience.

Wendy Memishian

“SGM. 1921–2012.”

Wendy Memishian of Medway, Mass., decorated her cap to honor her grandfather, Stephen George Memishian. An Armenian immigrant who opened a boxing ring in this country, he taught his granddaughter to aspire to college. She credits him with her getting into �ֲ���ý and thriving here.

“I studied a lot for him,” she said.

Brit Lee

“1st Gen! Woman in science, Queer & Black.”

“No matter the history of my ancestors, I’m able to cut the disparities that black people face, and prevail,” says Brit Lee of Cleveland.

Leslie-Anne Bernard

“Because God favored me.”

Leslie-Anne Bernard of Kingston, Jamaica, decided to highlight two important aspects of her life: her spirituality and her Jamaican identity, as seen in the national flag. Her mother and brother helped her put the cap together.

“I wanted to rediscover who I am by the end,” she said.

Like many of us, renowned biochemist Jennifer Doudna is watching with concern “an increasing distrust of science and scientists, facts becoming intertwined with alternative facts, [and] public support of scientific research — and the scientific method itself — being questioned.”

But Doudna may have surprised some of the several thousand people attending �ֲ���ý’ 153rd Commencement when she said, “I feel that at least some of the responsibility for this state of affairs lies with those of us who are scientists.”

The featured speaker at the May 26 ceremony, which sent 469 newly minted �ֲ���ý alumni into the world, Doudna was a key participant in the discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 technology, a radically accessible approach to editing the DNA of any organism. She is also a leading voice in the discussion of the ethical use of this technology.

View the 2019 �ֲ���ý Commencement.

Doudna was one of three notables to receive an honorary degree at the 2019 Commencement, the others being:

• Megan Smith, CEO of shift7 and former U.S. chief technology officer who is a visionary for tech innovation, collaboration, education, and inclusivity;
• and Travis Mills, a Maine resident and Army veteran who became a quadruple amputee in combat and is now an advocate for combat-injured veterans. Mills received a standing ovation upon receiving his degree.

The three honorands joined college President Clayton Spencer, senior speaker Claire Naughton ’19, and others on the Coram Library Terrace for the event, for which early rain resolved into an unbeatably beautiful late-spring day. An estimated 5,000-plus family members, faculty, staff, and friends attended.

If the theme of Doudna’s address was overcoming challenges, her observation about the erosion of public faith in science was, itself, a sort of challenge. Whatever else you do in life, she told the �ֲ���ý graduates, she implored them to work “to advance public appreciation and understanding of thoughtful engagement.”

For too long, she explained, scientists have failed to broadly communicate the substance and implications of their work. Whatever career you choose, she told the graduates, involve yourselves in the broad public discourse about the “topics you care deeply about.”

Math professor Peter Wong hugs a new graduate during the recessional. (Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College)

“We must rebuild public trust in our work, and we must explain to our fellow citizens why our work matters, not just to publish the next academic article or to make the next advance in our field, but truly to advance human knowledge and to improve the human condition.”

Doudna offered herself as an example. While she came late to it, she reminded her audience that she has accompanied her accomplishments in genome editing with thoughtful and prominent discussion of the implications of that work — implications that, she has written, affect “nothing less than the future of our world.”

Prefaced by an anecdote about a case of performance anxiety that struck as she read a Robert Frost poem to her eighth-grade classmates, Doudna also offered a couple of attitudinal approaches to overcoming challenges.

Commencement speaker and biochemist Jennifer Doudna salutes the 469 members of �ֲ���ý’ Class of 2019. (Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College)

Take initiative, she advised. Doudna told the story of a student in her lab at the University of California, Berkeley, whose interest in science had been sparked by her work as a cosmetologist. “What really caught her fancy was the chemistry of nail polishes, and how different chemicals interact with hair and the structure of hair proteins,” Doudna said.

“I can’t tell you how thrilled I was when she graduated with a degree in chemistry from UC Berkeley, summa cum laude, and joined an M.D./Ph.D. program to become a pediatrician — an incredible story of perseverance.”

And learn to trust yourselves, she said, even in the face of your own and others’ doubts. When her grandfather questioned her choice to earn a doctorate in biological chemistry, she nevertheless knew “that was what I really wanted to do. I was doing work that I felt passionate about and, I guess, I hoped in my heart it would contribute some day to improving the human condition.”

Senior speaker Naughton, graduating with her twin sister, Daly Naughton, also explored the notion of conquering self-doubt. An environmental studies major from Darien, Conn., Naughton tapped a lesser-known aspect of the Greek myth of Icarus to urge her classmates to keep their sights high as they move into life’s next chapter.

The senior speaker, Claire Naughton, used the story of Icarus to remind her classmates to set their sights high as they begin the next chapter of their lives. (Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College)

A fan of Greek mythology since elementary school, “I loved the lessons that Greek myths taught,” Naughton said.

Her favorite was the story of Icarus. With his father, Daedalus, Icarus escapes from the island of Crete and its monstrous inhabitant, the half-human, half-bull Minotaur, who is confined to a labyrinth there. The father and son leap from a tower on the island and fly away on wings that Daedalus fashioned from feathers and wax.

It’s well-known that Icarus dies during the flight when he defies his father’s advice and flies too close to the sun, whose heat destroys his wings.

“The lesson is clear — hubris is a deadly thing,” Naughton said. “Have humility, avoid arrogance. Don’t aim too high. No one likes a cocky know-it-all and everyone loves to see someone get what they deserve.”

Rohan Bhat, a double major in philosophy and in classical and medieval studies, accepts his diploma from President Clayton Spencer. (Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College)

But in Naughton’s telling, Daedalus also warned his son “not to fly too low, because the ocean will drench his feathers and drag him down. There can be just as much danger in flying too low and keeping yourself down as there is in being too bold.”

She continued, “This past year, I found myself living my very own Icarus myth, complete with a Minotaur, a labyrinth, and that heart-stopping moment when you see the ocean rushing up to meet you. And I like to think that I’m not the only one who has experienced something like this. So today I want to explore our own Icarus myth.”

The Minotaur that she had to escape, Naughton said, “was my fear that no matter what I did, it wouldn’t be good enough, because somehow I wasn’t good enough. A crippling fear that told me it was better to do nothing than to do something that wasn’t perfect.”

The metaphorical feathers for her wings, Naughton said, have included the things she treasures about people she’s close to, such as Daly. The binding wax is “made of your grit, your passions, your dreams and goals” — and the fleeting pleasures of one’s time at �ֲ���ý.

Travis Mills, a soldier injured in combat who is now an advocate for other veterans, receives an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Placing the collar on Mills is the college’s mace bearer, Phillips Professor of Economics Michael Murray. (Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College)

Getting away, only to fly too low and water-log their wings, Naughton said, is the risk that faces the Class of 2019. “The voice in your head is what drives you toward the ocean, and no one ever talks about that part of the Icarus myth,” she said.

“If you never push yourself, you can never fail,” she said. “But isn’t it a worse failure to never know what you really could have done?”

�ֲ���ý, she concluded, is “the place that taught us to crave the freedom of flight. And now we’re standing on the edge of a tower overlooking an ocean. And just on the horizon line you can see everything you’ve ever wanted to be.

“It’s time to believe in yourself and your victories and failures. It’s time to feel the heat of the sun on your back. It’s time to jump.”

Max Huang ’19, who graduated summa cum laude as a triple major in math, economics and physics, is held up by (from left) Deepsing Syangtan, Maria-Anna Chrysovergi, and Salim Ourari, all ’18. (Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College)

In her welcome, Spencer painted a statistical portrait of the Class of 2019. The 469 graduates represent 36 states, 36 countries, the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia, she noted, and 10 percent of the seniors were first-generation-to-college students.

Ninety-four students were double majors. One was a triple major: Tianyao Max Huang of Suzhou, China, who majored in economics, mathematics, and physics. Forty percent of the class played a varsity sport. Twenty graduates were offered Fulbright fellowships.

Yet, the president, said, “what I am most proud of, beyond these impressive facts and figures, are the human qualities you embody — your adventurous spirits, your creativity, your generosity, your senses of humor, and your drive for justice. Most of all, I love your joy in, and caring for, one another.”

The Commencement Choir, led by Lecturer in Music John Corrie, ran with that theme as they gave a poignant a cappella performance of the Beatles’ “In My Life.”

Kudzaiishe Irene Mapfunde, a psychology major, displays her diploma. (Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College)

After handing out 469 diplomas and directing the graduates to push their tassels from right to left, Spencer welcomed a few more folks to the Coram stage to conclude the ceremony. Alumni Association President Larry Handerhan ’05 welcomed the class to the association, encouraging the seniors “to stay engaged, stay curious, stay connected – and seek the joy in this place and the people and ideas it introduced you to.”

Senior Gift Co-Chairs Erika Lamere, Elizah Laurenceau, and Taylor Lough were pleased to announce a new participation record for a senior class, at 92.5 percent, representing 434 members of the class, who donated a total of $6,246.

In her benediction, Multifaith Chaplain Brittany Longsdorf expressed hopes that the great potential of the class will find full fruition. “May you be a stout, unlit candle,” she said, “where passion and purpose can ignite and burn without ceasing.”

Finally, as the Atlantic Clarion Steel Band launched a rocking number to get the recessional into gear, mace bearer and economics professor Michael Murray made it clear that it was perfectly OK to dance.

The first seniors on Alumni Walk on Commencement day, David Unterberger (left) and Nicholas Damianos check each other’s cap alignment. (Phyllis Graber Jensen/�ֲ���ý College)

Four hundred sixty-nine members of the Class of 2019 will receive their �ֲ���ý degrees on Sunday, May 26, at the college’s 153rd Commencement.

The ceremony will take place on the Coram Library Terrace on the Historic Quad beginning at 10 a.m.

Livestream

The college’s Commencement livestream features a four-camera setup that promises to bring viewers right onto the Quad.

The livestream begins at approximately 9:20 a.m. as the processional, which starts on Alumni Walk, reaches the Historic Quad. The livestream will be available on this page.

Update May 23: Unless the forecast calls for significant and/or prolonged rain, we are committed to providing an outdoor Commencement for our seniors and their families; it is what they, and we, want. At this time, the forecast for Sunday morning is for less than a 50 percent chance of a passing shower between 8am and 2pm. No forecast at this time suggests heavy or prolonged rain Sunday morning. Unless the forecast changes, we will plan for an outdoor Commencement — and enjoy our interesting spring weather together. The forecast for Saturday afternoon, for our Baccalaureate, remains promising.

Thursday, May 23, 2019

5:30 p.m. Farewell celebration What: Faculty and students celebrate the academic accomplishments of the Class of 2019 Who: Seniors, faculty and coaches Where: Clifton Daggett Gray Athletic Building
Friday, May 24, 2019
2 p.m. Class of 2019 Photo  What: Class picture Who: Required for all graduating seniors Where: Garcelon Field (Rainsite Underhill Ice Arena)
3 p.m. Commencement rehearsal What: Commencement ceremony rehearsal Who: Required for all graduating seniors Where: Historic Quad (Rainsite Merrill Gymnasium)
5:00 p.m. College Key induction What: Membership in the College Key is awarded to juniors and seniors who distinguish themselves through their academic performance, athletic or extracurricular pursuits, service to the community and strength of character Who: Inductees, their families and guests Where: Olin Arts Center Concert Hall
6:30 p.m. Phi Beta Kappa induction What: Phi Beta Kappa is the national honor society for liberal arts colleges Who: Inductees, their families and guests Where: Olin Arts Center Concert Hall
7:30 p.m. Sigma Xi induction What: Sigma Xi is the national scientific society for liberal arts colleges Who: Inductees, their families and guests Where: Olin Arts Center Concert Hall
8:30 p.m. Senior/Parents Wine and Cheese Tasting What: Senior/parents wine tasting Who: Senior/Parents Where: Pettengill Atrium
Saturday, May 25, 2019
1 p.m. Legacy Group photo What: Photo of students with family histories at �ֲ���ý Where: Hathorn Hall steps
1:30 p.m. Line up for Baccalaureate Who: Ceremony participants Where: Alumni Walk (Rainsite Merrill Gymnasium)
2 p.m. Baccalaureate service What: Baccalaureate celebrates students’ journey through �ֲ���ý and beyond through the languages of many religions and spiritualities, and celebrates with poetry, music, dance and reflection Who: Graduating seniors, their families and guests Where:  Historic Quad (Rainsite Merrill Gymnasium)
Sunday, May 26, 2019
7:30–9 a.m. Breakfast What: A complimentary breakfast Who: Graduating seniors, their families and guests Where: Commons
8:30 a.m. Line up for commencement Where: Historic Quad (Rainsite Merrill Gymnasium)
9:30 a.m. Commencement procession What: Procession begins Who: All are welcome Where: Historic Quad (Rainsite Merrill Gymnasium)
10 a.m. Commencement What: The ceremony you’ve been waiting for! Who: All are welcome Where: Historic Quad (Rainsite Merrill Gymnasium) A live video feed will be available for viewing in the Olin Arts Center, and the event will be livestreamed at bates.edu/commencement/live
Noon (immediately following Commencement) Lunch What: Complimentary lunch Who: Graduating seniors, their families and guests Where: Library Quad (Rainsite Clifton Daggett Athletic Building and Alumni Gymnasium)

Weather

Is it going to rain? Well, somewhere, probably. But during the window of Commencement, the current forecast (as of noon Friday) calls for a slight chance of a shower, not enough to move the ceremony indoors.

Resources for Attendees

�ֲ���ý’ Commencement page presents a host of resources for anyone attending the ceremony, including a schedule of events, campus map, and a list of FAQs.

Past Facts

For the history-minded, these 15 facts about past Commencements answer a variety of questions, including if this is the 153rd, or 156th, ceremony.

Honorands

�ֲ���ý will grant honorary degrees to three individuals, including speaker Jennifer Doudna, co-inventor of the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology and a leading public voice in the discussion of its societal and ethical implications.

Also receiving honorary degrees are Travis Mills, a Maine resident and Army veteran who became a quadruple amputee in combat and is now an advocate for combat-injured veterans; and Megan Smith, CEO of shift7 and former Google executive and U.S. chief technology officer who is a visionary for tech innovation, collaboration, education, and inclusivity.

The Setting

Weather permitting, �ֲ���ý has held outdoor Commencements since 1971, with Coram Library as the ceremony’s backdrop.

In chronicling Coram’s design by New York City architects who helped to shape the Broadway theater district, Phillips Professor of Art and Visual Culture Rebecca Corrie once noted, “Is it any wonder that the facade of Coram has become such a perfect stage for the College’s most public and important ceremonies?”

In the early 1900s, students mounted a Greek play on the Coram porch each Commencement Weekend. This clip shows the 1934 performance of Aristophanes’ The Birds by the 4-A Players (now the Robinson Players).

Senior Address

Claire Ruth Naughton ’19, an environmental studies major and four-year volleyball player from Darien, Conn., will use the Icarus myth as the jumping-off point for her Senior Address.

It’s well-known that Icarus was told not to fly too close to the sun (a metaphor for hubris). Fewer are aware, says Naughton, that Icarus was also told to stay far above the sea, lest his wings get wet. Naughton wonders: Do our worries and fears keep us too low to the ground?

Shades of Green

If it’s warm, much of the audience will be afforded welcome shade by various species of trees. Which ones? The �ֲ���ý Canopy map has your answers.

New to the Stage

This year’s Commencement will be the first since last fall’s completion of the Coram Library Terrace. This project extended the library’s porch 15 feet outward from the original structure, eliminating the need to install a temporary wooden extension. New aluminum ramps up to the stage have replaced the resonant old wooden walkways.

By the Numbers

• States represented in the Class of 2019: 36
• Nations represented: 36
• Maine students: 10.2 percent
• First generation: 10.4 percent
• Studied abroad: 61.2 percent
• Varsity athletes: 40.1 percent

Majors

The class has accumulated 565 majors (374 single majors, 94 double majors, and 1 triple major, in economics, mathematics, and physics)

Majors Distribution

African American Studies: 2

American Cultural Studies: 2

Anthropology: 12

Art and Visual Culture: 20

Biological Chemistry: 19

Biology: 29

Chemistry: 8

Chinese: 9

Classical and Medieval Studies: 15

Dance: 5

Economics: 63

Engineering: 3

English: 36

Environmental Studies: 33

European Studies: 5

French and Francophone Studies: 8

German: 2

History: 18

Interdisciplinary Studies: 3

Japanese: 1

Mathematics: 29

Music: 3

Neuroscience: 19

Philosophy: 18

Physics: 14

Politics: 74

Psychology: 52

Religious Studies: 5

Rhetoric: 19

Sociology: 21

Spanish: 6

Theater: 4

Women and Gender Studies: 8