Good morning!
I’m Meryl Rosen and it is my honor to be serving as the chair of the Sarah Lawrence Board of Trustees. On behalf of the Board, I would like to welcome President Judd, Provost Singh, distinguished members of the faculty, staff, parents, family, friends, and most of all, the undergraduate and graduate classes of 2024!
A very long time ago, I sat where you are now, next to the wisteria arbor, under a similar tent, on a lovely sunny Friday in May. I can also tell you, when I pictured my future, envisioning myself standing before you was not something that ever crossed my mind that afternoon. What I am noticing today, as I look out at all of you, is the perceived physical distance between us. While the space from this podium to the graduating class seems like only a short grassy span, to me it represents decades of experience, knowledge, and perspective that was just beginning to take shape four years before I sat where you are today. It is my hope that as you, too, bridge the space from there to here you maintain a sense of humility and are always open to learning.
Connections… Does anyone else start their day with this deceptively difficult game? For those of you who don’t, the premise of “connections” sounds simple enough: group 16 words into threads of four, based on what they have in common. The link between these words can range from relatively straightforward to absolutely impossible. I’ve also found that the same can be said for human connections. While it is often easier to see what makes us different and disconnected, great satisfaction and meaning comes from striking a common bond. As a student here, I remember how fascinating it was to find those intersections between seemingly incongruous subjects, while developing the ability to think critically based upon what I had learned. These skills have served me well, and I know that they will distinguish you from your peers in the endeavor of your choosing.
Connection is also why I am so pleased to extend a big thank you, on behalf of the Board, to our Commencement speaker, the U.S. Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Vivek Murthy. Dr. Murthy has dedicated his recent work to the value of connection as he travels the country speaking about the youth mental health crisis, the impact of social media on mental health, and the epidemic of loneliness and isolation. Thank you, Dr. Murthy, for your tireless commitment to this important work.
To the seniors, I do hope that you have experienced a sense of belonging and purpose during your years here, and as you leave this place today, you will continue to feel a tie to your friends, faculty, clubs, teams, dorm, table in Bates, spot in the campus center, or seat in the library. Recently, I know that you were invited to sign your name, leaving a lasting imprint, on the wall of this quirky little multi-winged building to my left, that will soon be called the HUB. To me, a hub is the center where everything connects, and I hope that future generations of Sarah Lawrence students will think of your vision when they share a meal, meet with their affinity groups, or have a spiritual moment in that newly conceived space.
As for the most significant connection of all, graduates, please thank your family and friends for their support, and know that while this is your commencement, there are many more people who helped make it possible. On behalf of the Board, we hope that you embrace the same intellectual risks that you have taken at this college, become an active citizen of the world, remain engaged and connected to this wonderful school, ask a lot of questions and forever continue to be curious. Most importantly, be grateful, as I am, that you had the opportunity to learn from the best at Sarah Lawrence. This will always be your home.
Congratulations!
Remarks as prepared for delivery