Mateo:
Our fellow seniors, congratulations on graduating — the culmination of all your hard work. We’ve survived a pandemic, sleep deprivation, a power outage, an earthquake, and a bear. And now we are being thrust into the world, each of us going who-knows-where to do who-knows-what.
It will be strange to not see your familiar faces day-to-day. When I feel lonely, I'll remind myself no matter how far we stretch apart, no matter how much time passes, we will still be the class of 2024. I believe that our bonds will never sever. The world is immense, but should the need arise, we'll always be able to rely on each other.
I hope we all still feel connected to this place and to each other, that we have stakes here. There will come a time in our lives when the younger generations of our community here will need our help. I never thought I'd go to a private school. But Sarah Lawrence was incredibly generous and made the prospect of being in a creatively stimulating environment financially feasible for me. I know they did the same for many of you. I stopped dancing professionally mostly because I was curious. Going to Sarah Lawrence gave me the freedom to experiment in multiple disciplines. I learned I will never satisfy my curiosity about a great many things, but the faculty here have shown me how to collect knowledge and wisdom on my own. I hope we can give that opportunity to others.
Leo:
Some of my most cherished memories come from my four years here at Sarah Lawrence. From our small yet mighty cross-country team, who willingly wake up at 6 a.m. to run in the dark during the fall, to the wonderful psychology research that I’ve been able to pour my heart into with my peers and faculty, to meeting some incredible people that I am ever so lucky to call my best friends. On a more introspective note, this place has taught me how to think critically about what I do and do not know — how to embrace the unknown and lean into asking questions, because meaningful learning cannot happen unless you can admit what you do not know. And this is a life-long journey. For these reasons and many more, Sarah Lawrence is a special, special place that I will forever hold in my heart, and I hope you will, too.
Mateo:
This year we’ve had seniors donate to the Senior Fund. If you haven’t contributed to the Fund, gifts can be made up until June 30th. With your help, the transformative education we’ve received will continue to make a lasting impact on current and incoming students. Your gift can make it possible for future generations of students, who will follow in our footsteps, to attend Sarah Lawrence. As alumni, we can continue this year’s momentum by staying in touch with our classmates, attending alumni events, and connecting with the broader Sarah Lawrence community. Please give me the excuse to see you all.
Leo:
Thank you to President Cristle Collins Judd for graciously matching every senior’s gift this year with a symbolic $20.24. Thank you to the generous donors who provided challenges throughout the year to encourage gifts! And finally, thank you to the class of 2024 for supporting the College and future students! Congratulations again on your achievements. I can’t wait to see the extraordinary ways you change the world and the communities around you!
Remarks as prepared for delivery