Photo courtesy New College of Florida.

As we approach the culmination of this academic year, there is a profound sense of gratitude and fulfillment I feel as the President of New College of Florida. For the second time, I have the honor of attending a commencement ceremony for an extraordinary cohort of students who have exemplified the spirit of curiosity and critical thinking, and embraced the diverse opportunities afforded by an interdisciplinary liberal arts education. This commencement is a celebration of their success and the inspiring journey they have undertaken during their time at New College.

Earning a degree at New College is no small feat; it requires dedication, perseverance and a commitment to intellectual rigor. As our graduates prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives, it is evident that they have embraced the opportunity to take every challenge and experience  head-on, demonstrating the depth of their academic achievements. 

Over the past weeks, our graduating students have engaged in the rigorous process of presenting their senior honors theses to faculty committees and peers—an experience that is a linchpin of their academic journey at New College. This process not only signifies the culmination of their academic endeavors but also underscores their dedication to scholarly inquiry and interdisciplinary exploration. Our students have diverse areas of study that include cutting edge STEM research and high-level theory in humanities disciplines. The senior thesis is a unique display of the culmination of their time at New College.

This is a time to celebrate our students and their remarkable achievements. The graduating class elected one of their peers, Grace Keenan, to deliver an address during the ceremony. Grace recently completed her term as the student representative on the New College Board of Trustees, where she was a diligent advocate for the student body.

New College is proud to continue its rich tradition of producing Fulbright scholars in Florida, with Cynthia Lucas and Kyla Baal joining the prestigious ranks of Fulbright awardees this year. Cynthia's Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Taiwan and Kyla's study/research grant to Bulgaria exemplify the global impact of a New College education and the boundless opportunities available to our graduates.

In addition to our Fulbright scholars, we also celebrate the outstanding achievements of graduate student Josh Ingram's receipt of the 2024 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. Josh's success reflects the caliber of intellectual inquiry, research excellence and innovation fostered between students and faculty at New College.

As we acknowledge the accomplishments of our graduates, including Meilah Wimbush's recognition by the ALL IN Democracy Challenge for her commitment to nonpartisan democratic engagement, let us collectively applaud the indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication of all our students. What they have accomplished here is deeply meaningful.

New College is more than an institution; it is a vibrant community of passionate, curious learners who continually push the boundaries of knowledge and understanding. As we close this chapter, I am filled with confidence that they will continue to make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond. Join me in congratulating these extraordinary individuals as they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives, with the depth of a New College education and alumni by their side.

Richard Corcoran is president of New College of Florida.

Photo courtesy New College of Florida.