Skylar: Seniors and soon-to-be alumni, congratulations on this amazing and impactful accomplishment! After four years of rushing to complete conference projects, sunbathing on the first 60-degree day, and laughing together at midnight breakfast, we finally did it! We’re graduating!
I will always be thankful for the tight-knit community we have built together at Sarah Lawrence. During our time at the College, we have continued to face unprecedented times over these past four years. But the class of 2025 has always come together to support one another.
Although we are all excited and ready to embark on our next adventures, we will carry the strength, compassion, and spirit with us wherever we go.
Rachel: We have all been brought together today because of this school. A place that, at first, may have just been a building or a name on an acceptance letter — but over time, it became so much more. As I stand here, I’m filled with a deep sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the experiences that shaped us, the lessons that challenged us, and most of all — the people who walked this journey with us.
To the professors who saw potential in us, even on the days we couldn't see it in ourselves — thank you. For guiding us through every conference project, teaching us how to think, how to question, and how to strive. To my peers — here’s to the late nights, the hard work, the laughter, and the journey of becoming who we are. To the friends I’ve made along the way — thank you for being the kind of people I’ll carry with me for life.
So today, as we celebrate what we’ve achieved and look ahead to what’s next, let’s not forget what brought us here: this school, and the incredible people within it. It gave us more than just an education. It gave us connection. Purpose. Memories. And each other.
Tommy: The Senior Fund helps support scholarships, and our willingness to “pay it back” to the Fund represents the value we place on the rare and special education we’ve received as well as the memories we’ve made.
While stitching together a plan to afford Sarah Lawrence, my father suggested I write a letter to financial aid: “Handwritten. Nobody does that anymore.” Even with a typo later spotted, it helped me secure the aid I needed to make my standing here a reality. Speaking with hundreds of SLC alums, parents, and friends of the College at my work-study job, I quickly realized my situation wasn’t unique. Without that support, so many of us wouldn’t be here.
This year, we’ve had 52% of seniors donate to the Senior Fund, and you still can join the effort until June 30th. It is more important now than ever before to support higher education, especially this place we hold so dear. This education is transformative, and we need you to remain engaged for the students of tomorrow.
Thank you to President Judd for matching each senior gift with a symbolic $20.25, and finally, thank you to the Class of 2025 for supporting Sarah Lawrence! Congratulations on this momentous achievement. I cannot wait to see the places you’ll go.
Remarks as prepared for delivery