Under glorious, sunny blue skies, Claremont McKenna College celebrated its 75th Commencement Ceremony with the Class of 2023. To honor the graduates’ achievements, the event was filled with music, inspiration, and celebration.
Leading humanist and renowned political scientist, Robert Putnam, who has been called the “poet laureate of civil society,” offered the keynote address. Putnam is the Peter and Isabel Malkin Professor of Public Policy, Emeritus at Harvard University and former dean of the Kennedy School of Government. He is also author of the influential and groundbreaking book, Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community.
Putnam was introduced by Amari Huang ’23, CMC’s senior class president. Putnam also received an honorary degree, presented by CMC Trustee, Jeffrey S. Klein ’75 P’08 P’11 P’14 and Prof. Tamara Venit-Shelton.
While Stags quarterback Zachary Fogel ’23 kicked off the celebration with a performance of the National Anthem, Annette Njei ’23, president of CMC’s Black Student Association, shared remarks as the elected student speaker.
Class Valedictorian, Angie Wang ‘23, served as the Student Marshal and Prof. Lisa Koch, recipient of the Glenn R. Huntoon Award for Superior Teaching, was the Faculty Marshal.
Additional Commencement highlights include:
- Trustee Rev. Darrell Smith ’74 P’00 delivered the invocation.
- Trustee Robert Nakasone ’69 P’98 received an honorary degree, presented by Chair of the Board of Trustees David Mgrublian ’82 P’11 and Dean of the Faculty Heather Antecol.
- CMC Registrar and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Elizabeth Morgan led the singing of CMC’s College Song.
- President Hiram E. Chodosh capped off the day with inspirational remarks to the new graduates.