Congratulations to the College Class of 2017
A joyous and festive spirit filled Cox Auditorium and later spilled onto the Chapel Green in honor of this year’s College Commencement on Saturday, May 13. In all, 117 graduates make up the Class of 2017, 96 of whom received BAs and 21, BS degrees.
College President Dr. Jonathan Palmer expressed appreciation for the exceptional leadership shown by members of the graduating class in academics, athletics, and student activities, including the mediation and solar car teams.
Directly addressing this year’s graduates, Dr. Palmer conveyed his hopes for them, quoting Principia founder Mary Kimball Morgan’s description of the Class of 1936: “They are . . . ready to take their own responsibilities for the Cause as far as human responsibilities can be taken, and as I see them doing that, I realize that they are really rooted and grounded in the Truth” (Education at The Principia, p. 133). Dr. Palmer also told the graduates, “Go on your way, rejoicing that He (your Father-Mother God) can use you” (Education at The Principia, p. 221).
Before awarding diplomas, Dr. Palmer welcomed Nancy Challenger (C’81), this year’s Commencement speaker. President of Challenger Wealth Management Inc., based in Irvine, California, Challenger built a company that, in 31 years of dedicated service to others, has experienced strong growth each year.
Drawing upon her conviction that God is, indeed, her employer, Challenger told graduates: “When you align with right, your life is meaningful—no matter what your profession. I was told so many times that women do not belong in the investment business. But that never made it so. Small-mindedness never thwarts your progress when you prayerfully cherish your spiritual origins and divine employment, when you rely on God instead of person for everything. Your only competition is with your own sense of limitation. Your divine Employer is always hiring, and you can accept this full-time position right now.”
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 seniors—Meg Andersen, Max Bruch, Toms Musts, and Gemma Ritchie—chosen by their peers shared gratitude for and highlights from their experiences at the College. You can listen to Nancy Challenger’s full address and the students’ speeches on Principia Internet Radio’s College Downloadable Radio Programs page.
Hear from some of our graduates about where they’re heading next, including positions at Capital One, Tesla, and the Smithsonian.