David PesciMay 27, 20123min
President Michael S. Roth’s remarks: Members of the board of trustees, members of the faculty and staff, distinguished guests, new recipients of graduate degrees and the mighty Class of 2012, I am honored to present some brief remarks on the occasion of this commencement. When most of you began your Wesleyan education in the fall of 2008, the world was in a precarious state. It was an odd time to be investing in the future. But that’s what education is, as Kennedy said: a hopeful investment in the future. When you began here, America was waging two distant wars, the…

Olivia DrakeMay 27, 20123min
During the 2012 Commencement Ceremony on May 27, Wesleyan President Michael Roth awarded  U.S. Senator Michael Bennet ’87, Glenn Ligon ’82, and Cecile Richards P’13 with honorary degrees. Michael F. Bennet ’87 Michael F. Bennet was elected to his first full term as U.S. Senator for Colorado in November 2010. He is a pragmatic and independent thinker who embodies the values of the western state he represents, and whose work has contributed to good in the world, in the best of the Wesleyan tradition. As the father of three little girls, he is driven by a deep-seated obligation to create more opportunity…

Olivia DrakeMay 27, 20121min
Members of the Donor Associates, trustees, and emeriti trustees and friends celebrated the Bennet family legacy during a dedication of Bennet Hall on May 25. Bennet Hall is named in honor of Wesleyan President Emeritus Douglas Bennet ’59, P’87, P’94, Midge Bowen Bennet, and the Bennet family. The hall is located inside the Fauver Residence complex. (more…)

Lauren RubensteinMay 27, 20121min
Members of the Class of 1962 and guests celebrated their 50th Reunion during Reunion & Commencement Weekend May 24-27. During the reunion, Hank Sprouse '62 presented a cardinal carving to Wesleyan on behalf of his class. The carving will be permanently displayed in Daniel Family Commons. Sprouse and Bruce Corwin '62 also led a discussion on “Reinventing Ourselves As We Move Along” followed by a class discussion. In addition, the Class of 1962 dedicated the Highwaymen Common Room, located in the Romance Languages and Literatures Department. Photos of the 50th Class Reunion are below: (more…)

Olivia DrakeMay 27, 20121min
Alumni band Kinky Spigot and the Welders performed classic soul and covers during the All-Campus Party May 26 on Andrus Field. The event was held in conjunction with Reunion & Commencement Weekend. Band members include Lillian Ruiz ’08, Nicole Tirado Strayer ’07, Amanda Facelle '09, Marlon Bishop ’07, Vlad Gutkovich ’07, Yoni Rabino ’07, Jon Hutchinson ’07, and Tess Amodeo-Vickery '07. Photos of the event are below: (more…)

Olivia DrakeMay 9, 20122min
Join the Wesleyan community for class reunions, educational WESeminars, picnics, campus tours, a parade of classes and much more during the 2012 Reunion & Commencement festivities May 24-May 27 on campus. Highlights include an Eclectic party featuring The Rooks; an all-college picnic and festival on Foss Hill; a 50th Reunion and President's Reception for the Class of 1962; a champagne reception for graduating seniors and their families; an eco-friendly All-College Dinner; "Senior Voices" with the Class of 2012; the traditional All-College Sing; Andrus Field Tent party featuring Kinky Spigot and the Welders; and of course, the 180th Commencement Ceremony on…

David PesciMay 24, 20112min
"Keep the habits of critical analysis you've learned at Wesleyan. This may sound like an austere and overly-sober message," said Dr. Paul E. Farmer. "But by critical I don't mean you should be contrarian...By being critical I mean taking an extra moment to interrogate accepted wisdom." This observation was the cornerstone of the address delivered by Dr. Farmer at the 179th Commencement Ceremonies at Wesleyan University, on Sunday, May 22. Farmer, a physician-anthropologist and author, founded Partners in Health, an international nonprofit organization that provides direct health care services to the sick living in poverty. Partners in Health also undertakes…

Olivia DrakeApril 4, 20083min
Posted 04/04/08 An award-winning writer, a college president known for his expertise in the economics of higher education, and a critically acclaimed photographer will be honored at Wesleyan University's 176th commencement ceremonies this year. Jamaica Kincaid, Morton Schapiro and Philip Trager of Wesleyan's Class of 1956 will receive honorary doctorate degrees from Wesleyan on May 25, 2008. "We are delighted that these talented and accomplished individuals have agreed to honor us by participating in our commencement," said Wesleyan President Michael S. Roth. "Each exemplifies the qualities of courage and engagement, discernment and discipline that are essential to innovation and to…

Olivia DrakeMay 27, 200712min
Posted 05/27/07 Wesleyan's 75th Commencement Ceremonies were held on Sunday, May 27. Wesleyan conferred: 731 bachelor degrees, 25 master of arts degrees, 58 master of arts in liberal studies degrees and 14 Ph.D. degrees. During that ceremony, the following people received honorary degrees: Jewel Plummer Cobb is renowned as a teacher, a research biologist, and an advocate for the participation of women and members of minority groups in the sciences. A graduate of Talladega College, she earned her Ph.D. in cell physiology at New York University. Her scientific research has centered on factors influencing the growth, morphology, and genetic expression…