Commencement 2010

At Swarthmore's 138th commencement on May 30, President Rebecca Chopp awarded honorary degrees to distinguished biologist Bonnie Bassler, educator and labor leader John Braxton '70, Morehouse College President Robert Michael Franklin, and actor and author Stephen Lang '73. In addition, 354 undergraduates were awarded degrees at the ceremony, held at the Scott Amphitheater.

Of the 354 graduates, 341 received the Bachelor of Arts degree and 17 the Bachelor of Science in engineering degree. Four had double degrees. Highest honors were awarded to 12, 47 received high honors, and 42 received honors. The senior class speaker, as voted by his classmates, was Romane Paul '10, who graduated with a special major in educational studies and political science and a minor in religion. Special awards announced at the ceremony include the Ivy, Oak, Lang, and McCabe Engineering Awards.

Mark Wallace, professor of religion, addressed the graduating class at Baccalaureate services on May 30. The Baccalaureate is the spiritual component of Commencement weekend, featuring the inspirational remarks of a friend of the College. Wallace was followed by Acting Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Educational Studies Diane Anderson, who addressed the senior class at Last Collection. Speakers at this address, an assembly-style gathering, are chosen by the senior class.