On behalf of the Trustees, faculty, and staff of Sarah Lawrence College, I am delighted to welcome you to our second Graduate Commencement Ceremony.
This graduation acknowledges the important role our masters programs play both in the life of Sarah Lawrence College and in graduate education nationally. Indeed in its history, the College has created new fields of study that change the way the world views critical social issues. A common thread unites our seemingly disparate programs. We prepare graduates who push the boundaries of discipline and genre and integrate theory, advocacy, and creativity into the approaches they bring to their graduate and professional work. The unique pedagogy and learning that distinguishes Sarah Lawrence among liberal arts colleges nationally, is transformed on the graduate level into the capacity to change the lives of people around the world. Whether it’s through dance, theater, health advocacy, women’s history, child development, teaching, dance movement therapy, writing, or genetic counseling, Sarah Lawrence graduates make the world a better place.
This year is particularly special because we are celebrating the 45th anniversary of our human genetics program and Joan Marks, an alumna of our undergraduate College, who helped create this pioneering program.