A Stadium Sendoff for Resilient and Remarkable Class of 2025
Dean Brian Edwards, in his graduation address to the School of Liberal Arts Class of 2025, stressed the importance of applying core liberal arts skills like critical thinking and creative problem-solving, and the ability to synthesize complex and often contradictory ideas — captivating graduates and families with a little help from a fun but purposeful TikTok trend.
Presenting SLA’s 2025 Class Musician
Jackson Shaeffer commanded the stage performing “In Good Company,” an original percussion piece rooted in gratitude and admiration, written by the Music major as a tribute to his favorite musicians & mentors.
Presenting SLA’s 2025 Class Poet
"An Aubade Steeped in Bittersweet Light," a poem illustrating the feelings of excitement and trepidation surrounding graduation, was recited by its author Remi Bass, who earned her degree in English and Philosophy.
Distinguished Alumnus Emphasizes Delicate Balance Between Ethics & Power
This year's School of Liberal Arts Distinguished Alumni recipient Ian Bremmer (A&S ‘89) — renowned political scientist, entrepreneur, and author — shared urgent and rousing insights that visibly resonated with graduates and guests.
Class of 2025 Spotlights
Leveraging her Environmental Studies major alongside interests in psychology and public health, Surabhee Eswaran is next headed to medical school to focus on environmental justice and medicine.
Completing his MA in English, Sam Tarpley worked with the World Affairs Council of New Orleans to enhance communication across cultures and build communities amid crisis — in the city and abroad.
Ananya Anand’s passion for intellectual exploration led her to major in Economics, where her combined coursework and research experience helped her secure a coveted analyst position with Citibank.
Lilian Milgram used her Environmental Studies education to explore healthcare from a liberal arts lens — and will apply it next as she pursues a post-baccalaureate in nursing at the University of Washington.
Professor of History Randy Sparks Earns President's Excellence Award
Touted as "a tremendous lecturer, a studious scholar, and a most supportive advisor," Sparks has made an enduring mark on the many graduate students he advises every year, and continues to bring insightful clarity to difficult classroom topics.
