May 27 was a joyful day as Wellesley celebrated the class of 2022. “I am so proud of all of you for having overcome the many challenges of COVID-19 and arriving at this beautiful moment,” said President Paula A. Johnson. Speakers offered words of wisdom to the 558 students in the tent—members of a class that has vividly demonstrated resilience in the face of hardship. Student speaker Melisa Campos ’22 said, “Continue to be vulnerable, to speak your truth, to unapologetically take up space, to show up during the storms and rainbows as your most authentic selves—your highest selves! In those ways, we will transform and change the hearts and minds of many people in beautiful ways.” Commencement speaker (and astrophysicist) Nergis Mavalvala ’90, dean of MIT’s School of Science, offered a three-part charge: “If it’s broken, fix it! If it doesn’t exist, invent it! And always, always, pay it forward, with love, and bring along outsiders and outliers!” The purple class of 2022 gave her a standing ovation. They walked across the stage to collect their diplomas. And off they went.
Gathering Together, Heading Out
Melisa Campos ’22 delivers the student speech at commencement.
Melisa Campos ’22 delivers the student speech at commencement.
Nergis Mavalvala ’90, dean of MIT’s School of Science delivers the commencement address,
Two graduates smile after the ceremony.
Students begin to process toward the tent.
A jubilant graduate celebrates with family.
Sarai Hertz-Velázquez ’22 waits in line before the commencement ceremony.
Friends take a selfie during lineup on the Academic Quad.
A thoughtful moment
Two members of the purple class say it with flowers.
Nergis Mavalvala ’90 and President Paula A. Johnson embrace before the ceremony gets started.
Students savor their accomplishment as they pose after commencement.
A family member cannot contain her joy and pride at commencement.
Oreoluwa Esther Odeyinka and Sophie J. Wang, co-presidents, welcome the class of 2022.
Faculty members prepare for the procession.
Amira McCants ’22 celebrates after commencement.
Student speaker Melisa Campos ’22
Click here to read the full speeches.
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