Congratulations to the College Class of 2015
Morning rain cleared to afternoon sun, setting the scene for this year’s College commencement, held on Saturday, May 9. In all, 109 graduates make up the Class of 2015, 94 of whom received BAs and 15, BS degrees.
After welcoming graduating seniors, friends, and family to the College, President Jonathan Palmer expressed appreciation for the exceptional leadership shown by members of the graduating class in academics, athletics, and student activities, including the mediation, solar car, and rugby teams, as well as in Principia’s institutes. “I am so grateful to know that in this year’s graduating class I have a whole group of colleagues and friends,” Dr. Palmer remarked. “It has been a privilege to see your growth, your triumphs, and your challenges. I am pretty confident in saying that Principia did not leave you where it found you. And we hope that you, and all in the audience today, will continue to stay in touch with us. We will follow your paths from here with great interest.”
Before awarding diplomas, Dr. Palmer welcomed Graham Grady, this year’s commencement speaker. An attorney and social activist committed to civic endeavors, Grady is currently a partner at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP in Chicago, representing property owners and real estate developers.
“Principia occupies a special place on the landscape of higher education in America,” Grady said. “I cannot think of a more tenacious, driven, and courageous group of people embarking on life’s journey beyond college. We are proud of you for pursuing your education and your faith simultaneously here at this storied institution.”
Encouraging graduates to use their Principia education for good in the world, he asked: “What can you do that’s unique and impactful? What is it that perhaps only you can contribute? This is your world. Shape it, or someone else will.”
As proof that he practices what he preaches, Grady is passionate about helping young people in underserved areas. He is a trustee for the Lloyd Fry Foundation, which supports programs that foster learning and innovation to improve conditions for low-income communities in Chicago. He is also a founder of the African American Legacy, a compendium of volunteers who partner with the Chicago Community Trust to support education, afterschool, and mentorship programs.
Commencement was the culmination of several days of activities, including speeches by graduating international students and the baccalaureate ceremony in Cox Auditorium. At the latter, four students chosen by their peers—Gustavo Batista, Dallen Russell, Savanna Sprague, and Abbie Steckler—delivered speeches. You can listen to Dr. Grady’s full address as well as the students’ speeches on Principia Internet Radio’s College Downloadable Radio Programs page.