Amid hugs and cheers, smiles and tears, 132 undergraduates and six graduate students walked across the stage at Sweet Briar College’s 106th — and possibly its last — commencement. Two undergraduate degrees also were awarded in absentia. The ceremony began and ended with the Albemarle Pipes and Drums leading the regalia-clad graduates and faculty as they processed, a longstanding Sweet Briar tradition.
Following remarks by 2015 senior class president Sade Fountain and the 2015 Presidential Medalist Jessica Fortner, Teresa Pike Tomlinson ’87, mayor of Columbus, Ga., delivered the address. Amy Jessen-Marshall, dean of the faculty and vice president for academic affairs, presided over the exercises. Jill Granger, associate dean for academic affairs, called the candidates’ names while Jessen-Marshal handed them their diplomas. Remarks also were provided by Sandra Taylor ’74, president of the alumnae association. Chaplain Matt Gaventa delivered the invocation and benediction.
View photos from the ceremony here. A video of the ceremony in its entirety is available below.