Commencement returned to Marston Quad on May 15 with an air of exuberance after two years of online ceremonies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Class of 2022 graduates, their families and the faculty shared a day of smiles and selfies. Below at left, Tomás Summers Sandoval, associate professor of history and Chicana/o-Latina/o studies, steps in as an impromptu photographer for one graduate
In perfect weather, sunny but not too warm, the mood was joyful as Conductor Donna M. Di Grazia, David J. Baldwin Professor of Music, led the Glee Club in Amazing Grace.
Stewart Smith ’68, left, a longtime supporter and chair emeritus of the Board of Trustees of Pomona College, urged the Class of 2022 to find a mission to support with volunteer work and contributions. “Engaging in frequent acts of generosity does not require wealth, nor is it consistently correlated with wealth. Anyone can be generous,” he said. Jennifer Doudna ’85, Pomona’s first Nobel Prize winner, shared the story of her scientific awakening.
Senior Class President Andreah Pierre ’22, left, and Associated Students of Pomona College President Nirali Devgan ’22, right, addressed their classmates on Marston Quad after the pandemic forced the two previous classes’ Commencements online.
“This is a day to remember. This is the first time we’ve been able to come together since 2019. And are we all ready? We’re ready!”
— President G. Gabrielle Starr as she opened the 129th Commencement ceremony of Pomona College on May 15, 2022
Shari Evangelista and Hermo Quispe mug with Cecil during the 2022 Commencement celebration, left. Right, Emma Paulini, originally Class of ‘21, and her sister Helen Paulini ‘22, right, graduated together after Emma took a gap year due to the pandemic. They’re flanked by their parents, Manfred and Ann.
