NEW LONDON – Colby-Sawyer College will celebrate its 183rd Commencement on Saturday, May 8, with an in-person event for graduates, faculty and staff.

Commencement events will be closed to the public and will comply with mask and social distancing guidelines in accordance with the college’s COVID-19 protocols. A link to a livestream will be posted on the college’s website for families and friends.

The ceremony, which will be held outside on the New London campus, will celebrate 169 graduating students in the Class of 2021 and will also recognize several members of the college and greater community for academic excellence, outstanding contributions to society and service to the college and its students.

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Professional Awards:

Chief Executive Officer and President of Dartmouth-Hitchcock and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health Joanne M. Conroy, MD, will be recognized with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, which honors an individual of humanitarian character and superior intellect whose life and work have brought about positive, far-reaching consequences for individuals and organizations. Former Chair of the Colby-Sawyer Board of Trustees Peter F. “Pete” Volanakis will receive the Susan Colgate Cleveland Medal for Distinguished Service. The college’s highest honor, this medal is presented to individuals who exemplify Susan Colgate Cleveland’s attributes, ensuring that her work, dedication and influence will be remembered by future generations.

Professor of Arts & Sciences Chery A. Whipple will receive the Jack Jensen Award for Excellence in Teaching, the college’s highest teaching award. Presented annually to a faculty member who has made a distinct, positive difference in the college’s academic climate, the award honors the late Professor Jack Jensen, who, through his dedication to teaching, inspired faculty and students alike. In accordance with Colby-Sawyer tradition, as winner of the Jensen Award, Professor Whipple will deliver the Commencement address at this year’s ceremony.

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Student Awards:

Kayia Alleyne, a public health major from Dorchester, Mass., has been selected as the Senior Commencement Speaker and will deliver an address titled “Measurable Moments.” The Colby-Sawyer Award, given to the senior who exemplifies the college’s ideals of personal dignity, intellectual growth and contributions to campus life, will be presented to Quinn Stuebner, a double major in sport management and business administration from Boise, Idaho. The David H. Winton Baccalaureate Award, which recognizes the graduating student with the highest cumulative grade point average, will be announced at Commencement.

To learn more about the award winners, visit Commencement 2021 Awards (colby-sawyer.edu).

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