Commencement 2018

On a perfect May morning, the members of the purple class of 2018 joyfully celebrated their accomplishments and collected their diplomas.

A photo of a bouquet of purple roses beside the commencement program.

Photography by Richard Howard

A photo of Commencement speaker Tracy K. Smith, poet laureate of the United States; Wellesley president Paula Johnson; and Laura Daignault Gates '72, chair of the Board of Trustees.

Commencement speaker Tracy K. Smith, poet laureate of the United States; Wellesley president Paula Johnson; and Laura Daignault Gates ‘72, chair of the Board of Trustees.

A photo of the faculty procession nearing the tent on Commencement day

A photo of the faculty processing in to Commencement, seen from the back.

This photo shows a group of students lining up to process into Commencement.

Members of the class 0f 2018 read their programs at Commencement.

A photo of Commencement speaker Tracy K. Smith

Poet Laureate of the United States Tracy K. Smith was the 2018 commencement speaker.

President Paula Johnson addresses the gathered students, faculty, staff, and families and friends of the class of 2018.

A photo of President Johnson awarding a diploma to a student

A student wearing a tam decorated with purple flowers crosses the stage after receiving her diploma.

President Johnson applauds the Class of 2018.

After the ceremony, a student stands on the steps of Clapp Library, clutching her diploma and a bunch of flowers.

A photo shows the members of two proud families gathered with their graduates on the lawn after Commencement.

A laughing graduate clutches her flowers and diploma.

A photo shows two students grabbing a final hug after reunion.