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 2025!
Like many of you, I saw Wicked this year, and was once again moved by the compelling soundtrack. Years ago, after I first saw the show on Broadway, I would sing the songs at full volume in my car with the windows rolled up. By the way, if you have ever heard me sing, you will absolutely understand why the windows had to remain closed. My favorite song, without a doubt, is the beautiful duet "For Good”, and one line in particular always reminds me of what brings me back to Sarah Lawrence: “because I knew you, I have been changed for good”. I also love how two of the central messages in the show — don't accept things at face value, and think for yourself— are deeply woven into the fabric of what it means to be a Sarah Lawrence student.
During my time here, and I’m sure that not much has changed, we recognized that even the most established ideas should be examined, and that progress is built by those willing to ask if there is a better way to do things. On a daily basis, we challenged assumptions: our own, each other’s, and society’s, and discovered that growth comes from curiosity and the resulting discomfort. The beauty of this education, at a school that has a history of making history, is that you have learned to ask questions and think critically. In a world that too often accepts simple answers, you understand how to embrace complexity. You have also been taught that solutions require nuance, that leadership means listening, and that progress can only truly be made with open minds and hearts.
In the same spirit of curiosity and creativity, I am pleased to offer a big thank you on behalf of the board to our commencement speaker and alum Sam Edelman and honorary degree recipient and alum Lucinda Childs.
Sam has dedicated his career not only to building multiple successful brands, but to education as well. Sam has mentored many students, and has created internships and a series of college master classes where he shares his valuable wealth of experience with aspiring designers.
Lucinda began her career as a dancer and choreographer in the 1960s, and formed her own company in 1973. During her illustrious and creative career, she has choreographed over 30 works for major ballet companies, been awarded a Guggenheim fellowship, received multiple awards, and is working on a new production of a Philip Glass piece for l’Opera de Nice Cote D’Azur this fall.
Sam and Lucinda, we honor ourselves by honoring you!
Graduates, as you leave this place, please take this education and continue to question what you see. Be creative, examine, inquire, reconsider, and always strive to make things better. The world needs thinkers, and it desperately needs challengers. Congratulations!
Remarks as prepared for delivery