Commencement 2007

In remarks at Swarthmore's 135th commencement, President Alfred H. Bloom urged graduates to draw upon the habits and skills they have honed here to choose outreach over confrontation. "I ask you on whatever path you take," Bloom said, "whenever you responsibly can, turn from confrontation, reach for and inspire others to reach for, our shared humanity."

Bloom awarded honorary degrees to Marcia A. Grant '60, educator and founding dean of the first liberal arts college for women in Saudi Arabia, civil rights leader and Algebra Project founder Robert Parris Moses, and J. Robert Prichard '71, president and CEO of Torstar Corporation, at the College's 135th commencement on Sunday, June 3. The College awarded degrees to 348 undergraduates at the ceremony, held at the Scott Outdoor Amphitheater.

Of the 348 graduates, 339 received the Bachelor of Arts degree and 14 the Bachelor of Science in engineering degree. Five had double degrees. Highest honors were awarded to 11, 59 received high honors and 45 received honors. The senior class speaker, as voted by her classmates, was Eva Holman '07, an English literature major with a minor in history from Bellevue, Wash.

Centennial Professor of Anthropology and Executive Director of the Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility Jennie Keith addressed the graduating class at Baccalaureate services on June 2. The Baccalaureate is the spiritual component of Commencement weekend, featuring the inspirational remarks of a friend of the College. Keith was followed by former dean Bob Gross '62, who delivered the Last Collection. Speakers at this address, an assembly-style gathering, are chosen by the senior class.