Commencement 2012

At Swarthmore's 140th commencement on May 27, President Rebecca Chopp awarded honorary degrees to pioneering social scientist Lotte Bailyn '51, highly respected jurist Frank Easterbrook '70, and award-winning documentary film producer and activist Judy Richardson '66.  In addition, 369 undergraduates were awarded degrees at the ceremony, held at the Scott Amphitheater.

Of the 369 graduates, 353 received the Bachelor of Arts degree and 22 the Bachelor of Science in engineering degree. Six had double degrees. Highest honors were awarded to 12, 60 received high honors, and 35 received honors. The senior class speaker, as voted by his classmates, was Nolan Gear '12, who graduated with an honors major in English literature and an honors minor in film & media studies. Special awards announced at the ceremony include the Ivy, Oak, Lang, and McCabe Engineering Awards.

William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Political Science Kenneth Sharpe addressed the senior class at Last Collection on May 25. Speakers at this address, an assembly-style gathering, are chosen by the senior class. Howard A. Schneiderman Professor of Biology Scott Gilbert addressed the graduating class at Baccalaureate services on May 26. The Baccalaureate is the spiritual component of Commencement weekend, featuring the inspirational remarks of a friend of the College.