CC Celebrates Winter Commencement Grads

Photos by Jamie Cotten/Colorado College.

The first graduates of CC’s Class of 2025 crossed the stage to receive their diplomas on Sunday, Dec. 15, during this year’s Winter Commencement. The ceremony took place in Shove Memorial Chapel and celebrated the achievements of 29 graduates.

In her opening remarks, CC’s Interim President Dr. Manya Whitaker praised the graduates for all they had accomplished as students. She encouraged them to take what they had experienced at CC and do good with it in the world. She also noted that, regardless of what they encounter in the future, she is certain they are prepared. “Change is a process that takes time. You’ll have bursts of quick progress, followed by another roadblock. You won’t accomplish everything in three-and-a-half weeks like you may have gotten used to here at CC,” said Whitaker. “You’ll need to make sacrifices and trade-offs along the way. Because impact happens over a lifetime… Celebrate small wins along the way, have patience, give yourself and others grace, and remember to rest. The battle is not yours alone.” 

This initial group of the Class of 2025 earned their degrees in Art; Biochemistry; Business, Economics, & Society; Chemistry; Computer Science; Dance; Economics; English; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Film & Media Studies; Geology; History; International Political Economy; Mathematical Economics; Mathematics; Molecular Biology; Organismal Biology & Ecology; Political Science; Psychology; and Sociology. Degrees were presented by the Dean of the Faculty Emily Chan and conferred by Interim President Whitaker.

The Commencement address, titled “Everyday Exceptionalities: Practicing Magic in the Magic of Practice,” was delivered by Dr. M. Nickie Coomer, CC Assistant Professor of Education and the current holder of the Manya Whitaker Professorship in Education.

CC’s Class of 2025 has chosen the Greek proverb “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in,” as their class motto. We look forward to seeing the many trees that this group will plant. Congrats graduates!