Faculty and graduates processing at Commencement

Led by the Class Marshalls Bella Edo, Ben Gilsdorf, Lauren Simpson (left to right), the Bicentennial class of ’21 enters Coolidge Cage for Commencement on May 30, 2021.

 

graduates getting ready for the commencement ceremony

Family and friends line the halls as the graduates enter Coolidge Cage.

 

Graduates entering the building for commencement

The class of ’21 enters Coolidge Cage, which was transformed overnight when the weather forecast forced the ceremony to move indoors.

 

Faculty clapping while the graduates process

Faculty attending Commencement applaud as the graduates enter and take their seats.

 

Manuel Rodriguez ’21 was awarded the Obed Finch Slingerland Memorial Prize

Manuel Rodriguez ’21 was awarded the Obed Finch Slingerland Memorial Prize, awarded by the Trustees of the College to a member of the senior class, who, during their first three years at Amherst, has shown, by determination and accomplishment, the greatest appreciation of and desire for a college education.

Senior class speaker Jordan Andrews ’21 and President Biddy Martin

Selected by his peers to be the senior class speaker, Jordan Andrews ’21, explored what perseverance means to the class of ’21, defining it as “knowing when to stand against injustice, even when the odds are against you.” Following Andrews' speech, President Biddy Martin told the graduates that “the world has never needed you more.”

two graduates listening intently during commencement

graduates clapping in the audience during commencement

A graduate approaches President Martin to receive his degree

Two graduates exiting the stage after getting their diplomas
Two graduates exiting the stage after getting their diplomas

Left: Rhodes Scholar Jeremy Thomas ’21 

Two graduates exiting the stage after getting their diplomas
A graduate makes a heart out of his hands aims at his professors sitting in the audience

Graduate Ben Gilsdorf ’21 (top) sends some love to fellow graduates, while Marc Edwards, assistant professor of biology (bottom left), and Sheila Jaswal, associate professor of chemistry (bottom right) capture the moment.

Three graduates clapping during the commencement ceremony
A graduate poses for a photo in front of family and friends

After the ceremony, Ayodele Lewis ’21 waves as her father films her.