Williams Awards 569 Degrees At Commencement
.jpg) Photos by Paul GuillotteBecause of rain, Williams College held Sunday's commencement inside of the Lansing Chapman Rink. |
After a particularly rough stretch in his life, in which he was fired from The New Yorker, his wife left him and his mother died of cancer, McInerney had to start over. With a degree from Williams College (Class of 1976), he came to discover that a diploma from a reputable institution doesn't guarantee success.
McInerney, author of the critically-acclaimed novel "Bright Lights, Big City," stressed the importance of creating fresh starts after false steps during the 221st Williams College commencement on Sunday.
McInerney encouraged the Class of 2010 to be open to trying new things, and to consider "faking it" in an effort to find "your authentic self."
.jpg) Williams alumnus Jay McInerney, left, provided the commencement address. |
During the ceremony, 525 students received Bachelor of Arts degrees, while master's degrees were awarded to 14 students in the History of Art program and 30 from the Center for Development Economics. The proceedings were moved from West College Lawn to Lansing Chapman Rink because of inclement weather, and Chandler Gymnasium was also opened up to the overflow of family and friends, who watched the exercises on a big screen.
Sunday's commencement marked notable firsts and lasts; Adam F. Falk conferred degrees for the first time after becoming the Williams College president on April 1, while Berkshire County Sheriff Carmen C. Massimiano Jr. led the traditional procession for the last time. After 32 years as county sheriff, Massimiano is not running for re-election this year.
McInerney and Falk received honorary degrees along with G. Wayne Clough (secretary of the Smithsonian), Martha M. Coakley (Massachusetts attorney general) and Stephanie D. Wilson (astronaut).
While McInerney shared his message of self-invention, Phi Beta Kappa speaker Ralph Morrison shared a story about scaring away tourists. Recalling his freshman year, when he and his suitemates were trying to keep the campus tours from entering their common room, Morrison and his friends built a wall by stacking boxes.
"As the night wore on, our creation evolved into an ever-increasingly anthropomorphic tower of boxes," he said. "Complete with two eyes of Sauron, a print-out of a cat's mouth, arms made out of PVC pipe and gloves, a pocket protector and, created from letters clipped from magazines, a sign saying 'Your move, tourists.'"
Morrison said that the box creation is representative of the Williams College experience, one that boasts academic, artistic and athletic excellence.
 Williams College President Adam F, Falk received an honorary "Doctor of Laws" degree on Sunday. |
The Class of 2010 featured a five-way tie for valedictorian — Christopher Chudzicki, Ruth Ezra, Andrew Forrest, Zachary Miller and Kathleen Palmer. By random drawing, Miller was selected to give the valedictory speech. He gave thanks to the many people who paved the road for he and his classmates to earn degrees at Williams.
"Parents who worked hard to help meet tuition payments, faculty who overstayed their office hours, staff who spent time away from their own lives to make sure ours went smoothly," Miller said. "Not to mention the millions of men and women, many of whom are no older than we are, who risk their lives to protect the way of life that allows a place like Williams to exist. All of these people deserve thanks on this day."
Area students receiving degrees were:
Monterey
Laura D. Caccamo, daughter of Christine Caccamo.
Majored in psychology. Was a member of the crew team.
North Adams
Gilles R. Heno-Coe, son of Marcelle S. Coe of North Adams and Gerald R. Hoepfner of Philadelphia, Pa.
Majored with highest honors in art. Earned dean's list. Won the Karl E. Weston, Class of 1896, Prize for Distinction in Art.
Komal K. Shah, daughter of Kamlesh and Priti Shah.Cum Laude. Majored in biology, with a concentration in international studies-global health. Earned dean’s list. Performed with the Dance Company.
Abigail M. Wood, daughter of Richard Wood Jr. of North Adams and Maureeen E. Goodreau of Cheshire.Majored in English and psychology. Earned dean’s list. Studied in Sydney, Australia in Fall 2008. Served as a Baxter Fellow, founding member of the Glassblowing Club, research assistant in psychology, admission tour guide, first-year orientation leader, and writer for the student newspaper. Performed with the Zambezi Mirimba Band.
Pittsfield
Kayla M. Agar, daughter of David and Diane Agar.Majored in English and psychology. Was a member of the JV soccer team.
Chad W. Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Brown.Cum Laude. Majored in mathematics and psychology, with a concentration in international studies. Won the Morgan Award for accomplishment and promise in applied math or math teaching. Was a member of the baseball team, a two-time Williams Scholar-Athlete, and member of the NESCAC All-Academic Team.
David T. Caparrelli Jr., son of Deborah Caparrelli.Majored in English and psychology. Earned dean’s list. Was a student personnel manager for the Paresky Center, member of the tennis club, and captain of the badminton club.
Aaron M. Slater, son of Cheryl Bateman and William J. Slater III.Majored in English and psychology. Was named a Class of 1960 Scholar. Served on the staffs of the yearbook and Literary Review.
Michelle E. Williamson, daughter of Judith Williamson and Clifford Williamson.Majored in art and French. Earned dean’s list and was named a Class of 1936 Scholar. Served as music director of the singing group The Accidentals and as college awareness counselor for the program Quest for College.
Stamford, Vt.
James R. Dunn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Dunn Jr.Majored in English. Was a member of the college radio station and JV soccer team.
Williamstown
Samantha J. Baldwin, daughter of Ron and Jessica Baldwin.Majored in mathematics, with a concentration in leadership studies.
Maki Matsui, daughter of Susan Matsui and Kevin Combs.Cum laude. Majored in English.
Cristina B. Nawrocki, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jay Nawrocki.Majored in art. Was a member of the lacrosse team.
