Keystone Today

Hugs and high fives warmed the chill of December at Franklin & Marshall College’s winter graduation recognition ceremony.  

Held at Barshinger Center for Musical Arts on Dec. 13, the annual event celebrated 51 winter graduates of the College. 

The ceremony recognizes students who complete academic requirements ahead of their cohort, or complete an extra term. Students who complete requirements by Jan. 31 are counted as members of the Class of 2023 and invited to participate in the Commencement ceremony May 13.

F&M President Barbara Altmann handed diplomas to 41 students in attendance. The remaining graduates unable to join in person were individually recognized. A reception at Roschel Performing Arts Center followed.

“Take a minute and stop to think about what it means to graduate mid-year. Anytime we break with traditional timing, we have an opportunity to pay closer attention to an achievement, to a rite of passage, to an ending, and to a new beginning,” Altmann said. “We will be different because of your passage here. You are leaving your stamp on the institution.”

“Whether it was on the athletic field, through the College Reporter, through fraternity and sorority life, the labs, the dance, the music area – you've given us your gifts,” said Margaret Hazlett, vice president and dean of student affairs. 

In a closing benediction, Director or Faith & Meaning Joseph Pritchett encouraged the graduating cohort to “live in that space where your passion and the world’s needs meet.”

View the winter graduation photo gallery.  

Virtual & On-Demand: Graduates received the virtual weblink to share with family and friends unable to attend in person. View a recording of the ceremony here. 

Original source can be found here.