Commencement 2011

A gray and rainy day did not dissuade hundreds of graduating seniors, family, friends and community members from gathering in Persons Auditorium on May 15 to celebrate Marlboro’s 64th commencement. The class of 2011 included 69 graduates, completing courses of study ranging from psycholinguistics to food studies, from jazz history to combinatorics. President Ellen McCulloch-Lovell marked changes in the world since the class started their intellectual journey at Marlboro four years ago, as well as profound changes in the students themselves. Senior speaker Jonathan Jones reminded students of the impermanence of failures and the permanence of bonds formed on Potash Hill. An honorary degree was conferred upon Claudine Brown, assistant secretary for education and access for the Smithsonian Institution, who encouraged the graduates to embrace change. John Scagliotti, Emmy award–winning filmmaker, television producer and radio broadcaster, also received an honorary degree in recognition of his efforts to celebrate the LGBT community’s contribution to culture and politics. Reverend R. Dewitt Mallary Jr., father of trustee Peter Mallary ’76 and grandfather of Rebecca Mallary ’11, offered the valediction, and the event was underscored with jazz guitar duets played by Zach Pearson ’11 and music professor Stan Charkey.

From President Ellen McCulloch-Lovell’s address

Who are you, now, today? Research tells us that the college years are that precious time to think, to create, to explore and to become, when a person’s identity is forged. Influential teachers challenged, then validated you. You learned from your peers—outside the classroom and on trips. You came with ideas and changed them. You went through the crucible of confusion and change—exploring your beliefs, your differences and biases, even suffering the loss of loved ones—to emerge with a stronger sense of self. You know more about what you are capable of, how convincing you are, how strong, what lasts. You know through experience what educational philosopher John Dewey said: “The self is not something ready-made, but something in continuous formation through choice of action.”

From Jonathan Jones’ senior address

Every one of us walking across this stage today is a creator of something magnificent, something born of ether and electricity and the frustration of failure after failure. We created this thing we call Plan; so why not the other things we seek? I believe we already have. We search for love, and yet if you glance ever so briefly around this room you will see no fewer than 20 people who love you. We search for understanding, after spending four years learning how to have it, and to give it. As far as family, I challenge anyone to spend even one week on this hill and tell me we aren’t one.

From the honorary degree citation for Claudine Brown

For more than 30 years, you have worked within the museum and philanthropy worlds to promote education that is both hands-on and multisensory. You have said that “museums create communities” and, as the director of education at the Smithsonian Institution, you are creating a new community of learning for students of all ages.… You are asking, “What does it look like to be the nation’s museum in the 21st century, using all the tools that exist now to reach people?”

From Claudine Brown’s address

I have worked with smart people, crazy people, brave and defiant people, insecure people who were willing to put aside their fears for the benefit of others, shy people who chose to assert themselves when they were most needed and risk-taking young people who have grown into wise leaders; and I learned from them all. This work-life, that has been so very fulfilling for me, did not come about because I had an orderly plan. It has been about leaving my comfort zone and embracing discomfort—taking risk and embracing change. It has been about teaching and learning.… It is highly likely that you will have more than one great idea. Give time and attention to your dreams and goals. Don’t just talk about them, do something about them. Others may achieve similar goals before you, but your interpretation and implementation of that goal will be unique. If you care about it, do something every day to make it real. 

From the valediction by Reverend Mallary

The end is near, and I don’t mean the rapture on May 21st…. May you leave this place with affection, but even more with thanks for doors it has opened for you, for friends you have made, and for the intellectual tools you have acquired. May you find ways to use your gifts, not simply for gain or for pleasure, but for justice and compassion near and far. And whatever your particular spiritual resources, your particular religious or philosophical convictions, may your compass point true north.

For full transcripts of addresses and citations, a list of 2011 graduates and their Plans of Concentration as well as photos and videos, go to Marlboro’s Commencement 2011 site. 

Academic Prizes

The Rebecca Willow Prize, established in 2008 in memory of Rebecca Willow, class of 1995, is awarded to students whose presence bring personal integrity and kindness to the community and who unite an interest in human history and culture with a passion for the natural world. Casey Chalbeck and Amanda Whiting

The Audrey Alley Gorton Award is given in memory of Audrey Gorton, Marlboro alumna and member of the faculty for 33 years, to the student who best reflects the Gorton qualities of: passion for reading, independence of critical judgment, fastidious attention to matters of style and a gift for intelligent conversation. Emma Goldhammer

The Hilly van Loon Prize, established by the class of 2000 in honor of Hilly van Loon, Marlboro class of 1962 and staff member for 23 years, is given to the seniors who best reflect Hilly’s wisdom, compassion, community involvement, quiet dedication to the spirit of Marlboro College, joy in writing and celebration of life. Eric Toldi and Kelly Ahrens

The William Davisson Prize, created by the Town Meeting Selectboard and named in honor of Will Davisson, who served as a faculty member for 18 years and as a trustee for 22 years, is awarded to one or more students for extraordinary contributions to the Marlboro community. Anna Knecht and Sarah Verbil

The Ryan Larsen Memorial Prize was established in 2006 in memory of Ryan Jeffrey Larsen, who felt transformed by the opportunities to learn and grow within the embrace of the Marlboro College community. It is awarded annually to juniors or seniors who best reflect Ryan’s qualities of philosophical curiosity, creativity, compassion and spiritual inquiry. Michael Thompson and Sari Brown

The Helen W. Clark Prize is awarded by the visual arts faculty for the best Plans of Concentration in the fine arts. Sophie Mueller and Lex Kosieradzki

The Sally and Valerio Montanari Theater Prize is awarded annually to a graduating senior who has made the greatest overall contribution to the pursuit of excellence in theater production. Elizabeth Hull

The Dr. Loren C. Bronson Award for Excellence in Classics, established by the family of Loren Bronson, class of 1973, is awarded to encourage undergraduate work in classics. Emily Kimble and Amanda Whiting

The Roland W. Boyden Prize is given by the humanities faculty to students who have demonstrated excellence in the humanities. Roland Boyden was a founding faculty member of the college, acting president, dean and trustee. Eric Breeden and Michael Mirer

The Buck Turner Prize is awarded to a student who demonstrates excellence in the natural sciences, who uses interdisciplinary approaches, and who places his or her work in the context of larger questions. Chrissy Raudonis

The Freshman/Sophomore Essay Prize is given annually for the best essay written for a Marlboro course. Kathryn Lyon; honorable mention, Adam Halwitz

The Robert H. MacArthur Prize was established in 1973 in memory of Robert MacArthur, class of 1951, and recently rededicated to Robert and also to John and to John and Robert’s parents, John and Olive MacArthur, who founded the science program at Marlboro College. The contest for the prize is in the form of a question or challenge offered to the entire student community. Thea Cabreros; Eric Joyce and Lex Kosieradzki; Tristan Pease

The Robert E. Engel Award in honor of Bob Engel, Marlboro faculty member for 36 years, is given to students who display Bob’s sense of wonder for the natural world and his keen powers of observation and inquiry as a natural historian. Kathryn Lyon and Clare Riley

For more on Bob’s legacy, see “Evolutionary Tree.”