Launching the Class of 2022.5

In December 2022, 62 students celebrated their final semester at Wellesley at a festive gathering in the Alumnae Hall Ballroom. Melissa Jo Zambrana ’15, assistant director of alumnae engagement, welcomed the December finishers into the Alumnae Association and assured them they could be affiliated with whichever class they prefer––this year’s, their original class, or even both: “Wellesley lets you choose your own path forward,” she said. Zambrana, a December finisher herself, started this annual celebration in 2015. Though she walked with her class at commencement in May 2015, she felt odd having her finals in December and then leaving campus forever. She asked the deans to organize an event where the class of “2015.5” could “cry into cake after reflecting on all of [their] accomplishments, hardships, and memories.” A tradition was born.

International Waters

Lara Dashti ’26 represented her home nation of Kuwait at the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) World Swimming Championships in December 2022. The event was held at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre in Melbourne, Australia. The first-year represented Kuwait in the 50- and 100-meter breaststroke events. She swam a 1:14.61 in the 100-meter event, her personal best in international competition. She finished sixth in her individual heat, and 47th overall. She placed 35th in the 50-meter event.