Not even a driving rain could dampen the spirits of Bryn Mawr's Class of 2017 as they received their degrees on Saturday, May 13.
The Commencement speech was given by award-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa, who spoke eloquently about giving a voice to immigrants and others whose voices are rarely heard, and called on the class to "take your capacity for discourse out into the world."
In talking about her work as a journalist, Hinojosa said: "People say to me, 'oh Maria you just tell those stories because you're a Mexican immigrant.' Actually, no, I tell these stories because I'm an American citizen."
Hinojosa's speech was followed by remarks from Bryn Mawr President Kim Cassidy, who advised the class to use the critical thinking skills they have acquired at Bryn Mawr but to also be generous in their interpretations of the world and the people they encounter.
"Just like it takes practice to think critically, it takes practice to be generous, and it gets easier the more you do it. And if you learn to be similarly generous to yourself—applying both a generous and critical stance to your own life—even better," said Cassidy.
In closing her remarks, Cassidy told the graduates that they will be missed and that "each of you—undergraduates and graduate students—have left a mark on Bryn Mawr and we are grateful for the ways—big and small—in which you have made Bryn Mawr a stronger and better institution.
"Please know that Bryn Mawr will always be your touchstone. We will remind you that you are smart and strong and capable of meeting the challenges before you. We will always be here to tell you—to quote Dean Walters—'You’ve got this'."
To view photos from Commencement, visit this online gallery.
