Commencement

Photos by Nick Caito, Joel Callaway

“Everything we do matters. Every smile, every act of kindness, every time you use your voice for change—these all have meaning and create action and ripple effects that you may not even realize. We were created to make a difference. You were created to make a difference.” These words were offered by Nicole Hockley ’92, co-founder and CEO of Sandy Hook Promise, to the Trinity College Class of 2023 during her Commencement address on Sunday, May 21.

In all, 527 students received their degrees during the ceremony held on the Main Quad. Among the undergraduates, 325 received bachelor of arts degrees and 182 received bachelor of science degrees. Six of the undergraduate degree recipients were Individualized Degree Program (IDP) students. In addition, 20 graduate students received master’s degrees.

Hockley received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree in recognition of her work at the helm of the national nonprofit organization that educates and empowers youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities.

When her son Dylan was killed in his first-grade classroom at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012 alongside 19 of his fellow students and six educators, said Hockley, “My life changed in ways I hope none of you ever experience. What happened—the murder of my youngest son—was not something I could control. . . . Instead of succumbing to my grief, I chose to channel my sadness, anger, and love into preventing others from sharing my experience. My life’s mission became about creating a safer, better future for young people.”

During the ceremony, Trinity also awarded an honorary doctor of divinity degree to Sidnie White Crawford ’81 in recognition of her distinguished career in higher education and of devoting a lifetime of work to religious studies.

Student Government Association President Jason Farrell Jr. ’23, selected as the student speaker, told his classmates, “We must appreciate all the moments that led up to this milestone. The times of laughter, enlightenment, joy, and even failure. . . . This is also a time to be excited for new beginnings.”

In her charge to the graduating class, President Joanne Berger-Sweeney said, “A Trinity education is about learning how to speak, how to be heard, and how to listen. It’s about acknowledging and valuing different perspectives. We have taught you how to analyze an issue, not what the conclusion should be.” She added, “During our Bicentennial year, we want you to know that you will always be connected to us here at Trinity and to others by shared memories of this magical place ’neath the elms.”

Keelyn McNamara, of New Hampshire, who earned a B.A., summa cum laude, with honors in interdisciplinary computing with studio arts and a minor in rhetoric, writing, and media studies, was named valedictorian; Jacob Samuel Wolf Borgida, of Minnesota, who earned a B.S., summa cum laude, with honors in biology, was named salutatorian.

Following the awarding of degrees, Trinity College Alumni Association President Jawanza J. Gross ’94, P’12 welcomed the graduates into the community of Trinity alumni. “We’re cheering for you and are excited for you as the next generation of Bantams,” Gross said. “You are joining a passionate and engaged alumni community that is eager and willing to help all of you.”

For more on Commencement, visit https://www.trincoll.edu/commencement/