With spring term classes behind us, and Commencement a little over a week away, we are wrapping up the hard work of the academic year, and entering a season of celebration. Friday’s Honors Convocation was a wonderful opportunity to recognize the academic achievements and leadership roles of many outstanding students, including winners of national awards and fellowships. The recent Knights Banquet brought our NCAA teams together to honor exceptional student athletes. Last weekend’s joint concert from the Carleton Choirs and Carleton Orchestra provided a rousing finale to the year’s student musical performances.
Students may assume they are the only ones to be happy when the term comes to a successful conclusion, but faculty and staff were also feeling celebratory at yesterday’s end-of-term reception in Great Hall. Another great community builder was the recent “Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day,” where the Division of Inclusion, Equity, and Community invited people to stop by a table and pen a short note of thanks to a friend or colleague. Dozens of notes, along with cookies and giraffe squeeze toys, were delivered across campus to thank people “for sticking their neck out” for each other.
In a community like Carleton’s, it is always hard to say goodbye to the seniors we have come to know over the years. I hope that the recent and upcoming department picnics and receptions, Senior Garden Party, and other festivities surrounding Commencement will help seniors to feel the affection and support of the entire community as they begin to say their goodbyes — for now. We look forward to seeing you back for Reunion in five short years. Everybody else: we look forward to seeing you next fall! Have a great summer.
Featured in Carleton Today, May 30, 2024