Latest news with #BaccalaureateCeremony
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
My immigrant parents attended my Yale graduation. Seeing them on the Ivy League campus for the first time was surprisingly moving.
My immigrant parents never visited me while I was a student at Yale, but they came to my graduation. They didn't fit in with the other families, and they often apologized for their presence. It was moving seeing them on the Ivy League campus, signifying all they gave up for me. The night before I left for my senior year at Yale, my mom and I joked that we would find each other again in the next lifetime, but as classmates. We imagined ourselves sitting in the back row of some old lecture hall, whispering about which New Haven spot to try next for dinner. "And Dad?" I asked. "He would probably be in the very first row," Mom laughed. "You know he loves to talk." That fantasy came to life in May when my immigrant parents finally came to visit me at Yale for the first time. Neither of them graduated from high school in rural China, but they came to campus to celebrate my commencement. For years, complicated logistics and sacrifices kept them away. My father rarely left New York due to my grandparents' declining health, while my mother has grown increasingly reluctant to travel alone. They missed every one of Yale's annual family events. Our story is far from unique. Immigrant parents exist in a gray zone between demanding work schedules and language barriers. Plus, mounting scrutiny on non-citizens makes even domestic travel fraught with risk. I was determined that graduation would make up for the missed opportunities to bond with my parents. I just didn't expect to be so moved by their presence on campus. I coordinated the details: guiding them through train transfers, creating an ambitious itinerary of museums, libraries, restaurants, and landmarks. I even coached my mom on what to say if anyone asked for ID at any point. I also wanted them to participate in the Yale Class Day traditions: decorating personalized graduation hats, seeing the annual comedy skit, and listening to student representatives from various faiths read scriptures at the Baccalaureate Ceremony. It was my mission to make them feel comfortable at the school, but part of my motivation was selfish. Nothing meant more to me than walking across that stage, turning to the audience, and seeing their faces cheer me on. I wanted my parents to know their son was standing tall in a place that once seemed impossible. While I was excited to see them cheer, I didn't expect them to look so lost on the Ivy League campus. Other families moved confidently through the elite spaces, spoke fluent English, knew the difference between Gothic and Baroque architecture, and, in some cases, proudly returned as Yale alumni. I noticed that my mom and dad over-apologized throughout their stay. "Sorry," they said, while smiling and brushing past security. They said it again when they accidentally got in the way of a photo shoot, or when catching a break during our hike up East Rock, a mountain ridge north of campus that ends up with a breathtaking view of New Haven. "Sorry," they said as we took a rest at the base of a large hemlock. A small creek burbled in front of us, and Dad picked up a few rocks and skipped them across the water. They got close, but the rocks never reached the opposite bank. It wasn't the humility that moved me; it was the exhausting vigilance I saw in my parents. It pained me the way they tried not to inconvenience others — a broader reflection of what it means to be immigrants in our country. They were two people who grew up too fast, who put aside their differences and discomforts to join me at a place I have now become accustomed to. If college graduation is all about thrusting ourselves into uncharted waters, then this was just as much their graduation as mine. Having my parents finally on Yale's campus reminded me to cherish the moments we have together and not harp on the moments they missed over the last four years. I know they'll also miss out on important milestones as I head into med school at Stanford. Even though it can get lonely without them around to cheer me on through all my achievements, I'm proud to honor their hard work in this country. Toward the end of their three-day stay for commencement, I took my parents to Marsh Hall, where I had my first biology course as a first-year student. Seating 483 students, it's also the largest classroom at Yale. My parents went to the front of the classroom. They marveled at the Japanese chalk near the blackboard, flipped through empty blue book exams, and wondered how the projector worked. I took off my glasses, and through the blur, my parents looked like college students having fun: Mom in her emerald green dress and Dad in the dress shirt I'd bought him. They seemed too busy looking around to notice me. From the margins, watching the two people I loved most forget me, even if it was just for a moment, I was happy. Read the original article on Business Insider
Business Insider
12 hours ago
- General
- Business Insider
My immigrant parents attended my Yale graduation. Seeing them on the Ivy League campus for the first time was surprisingly moving.
The night before I left for my senior year at Yale, my mom and I joked that we would find each other again in the next lifetime, but as classmates. We imagined ourselves sitting in the back row of some old lecture hall, whispering about which New Haven spot to try next for dinner. "And Dad?" I asked. "He would probably be in the very first row," Mom laughed. "You know he loves to talk." That fantasy came to life in May when my immigrant parents finally came to visit me at Yale for the first time. Neither of them graduated from high school in rural China, but they came to campus to celebrate my commencement. For years, complicated logistics and sacrifices kept them away. My father rarely left New York due to my grandparents' declining health, while my mother has grown increasingly reluctant to travel alone. They missed every one of Yale's annual family events. Our story is far from unique. Immigrant parents exist in a gray zone between demanding work schedules and language barriers. Plus, mounting scrutiny on non-citizens makes even domestic travel fraught with risk. I was determined that graduation would make up for the missed opportunities to bond with my parents. I just didn't expect to be so moved by their presence on campus. I hoped to give my parents the full college experience I coordinated the details: guiding them through train transfers, creating an ambitious itinerary of museums, libraries, restaurants, and landmarks. I even coached my mom on what to say if anyone asked for ID at any point. I also wanted them to participate in the Yale Class Day traditions: decorating personalized graduation hats, seeing the annual comedy skit, and listening to student representatives from various faiths read scriptures at the Baccalaureate Ceremony. It was my mission to make them feel comfortable at the school, but part of my motivation was selfish. Nothing meant more to me than walking across that stage, turning to the audience, and seeing their faces cheer me on. I wanted my parents to know their son was standing tall in a place that once seemed impossible. Their presence stood in quiet contrast to the families surrounding us While I was excited to see them cheer, I didn't expect them to look so lost on the Ivy League campus. Other families moved confidently through the elite spaces, spoke fluent English, knew the difference between Gothic and Baroque architecture, and, in some cases, proudly returned as Yale alumni. I noticed that my mom and dad over-apologized throughout their stay. "Sorry," they said, while smiling and brushing past security. They said it again when they accidentally got in the way of a photo shoot, or when catching a break during our hike up East Rock, a mountain ridge north of campus that ends up with a breathtaking view of New Haven. "Sorry," they said as we took a rest at the base of a large hemlock. A small creek burbled in front of us, and Dad picked up a few rocks and skipped them across the water. They got close, but the rocks never reached the opposite bank. It wasn't the humility that moved me; it was the exhausting vigilance I saw in my parents. It pained me the way they tried not to inconvenience others — a broader reflection of what it means to be immigrants in our country. They were two people who grew up too fast, who put aside their differences and discomforts to join me at a place I have now become accustomed to. If college graduation is all about thrusting ourselves into uncharted waters, then this was just as much their graduation as mine. I will long cherish my parents' visit Having my parents finally on Yale's campus reminded me to cherish the moments we have together and not harp on the moments they missed over the last four years. I know they'll also miss out on important milestones as I head into med school at Stanford. Even though it can get lonely without them around to cheer me on through all my achievements, I'm proud to honor their hard work in this country. Toward the end of their three-day stay for commencement, I took my parents to Marsh Hall, where I had my first biology course as a first-year student. Seating 483 students, it's also the largest classroom at Yale. My parents went to the front of the classroom. They marveled at the Japanese chalk near the blackboard, flipped through empty blue book exams, and wondered how the projector worked. I took off my glasses, and through the blur, my parents looked like college students having fun: Mom in her emerald green dress and Dad in the dress shirt I'd bought him. They seemed too busy looking around to notice me. From the margins, watching the two people I loved most forget me, even if it was just for a moment, I was happy.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Correction: Spelman College Announces Taraji P. Henson as 138th Commencement Speaker
Class of 2025 is the largest graduating class in Spelman history Taraji P. Henson Dr. Thema Bryant Atlanta, GA, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson will deliver the keynote address at Spelman College's 138thCommencement Ceremony and will receive a Doctor of Fine Arts honorary degree. Henson will speak before a record-breaking class of 694 graduates during the ceremony on Sunday, May 18, at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC). This class also includes four students who will share the title of valedictorian. Dr. Thema Bryant, Pepperdine University professor of psychology, author, and minister, will address graduates during the Baccalaureate Ceremony at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 17, also at the GICC. The Baccalaureate Ceremony provides the opportunity for the graduating class, along with their families and communities, to joyfully reflect on their spiritual growth and personal transformation as they prepare for commencement the following day. 'Spelman College is deeply honored to welcome acclaimed actress and proud HBCU alumna Taraji P. Henson as the commencement speaker for the Class of 2025,' said Spelman College Interim President Rosalind 'Roz' Brewer, C'84. 'Her brilliance on screen is matched by her commitment to advocacy and empowerment, making her a powerful role model for our graduating students as they prepare to step into the world and lead in their own extraordinary ways. We are equally proud to host a distinguished lineup of dynamic Black women throughout our weekend ceremonies, including esteemed scholar and psychologist Dr. Thema Bryant. Their presence and voices will undoubtedly inspire our graduates, their families, and the entire Spelman community.' Renowned Actress and AdvocateTaraji P. Henson is an award-winning actress, producer, entrepreneur, and #1 New York Times bestselling author whose impact extends far beyond the screen. Her acclaimed performances span film and television, including standout roles in 'Hidden Figures', 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' — which earned her an Academy Award nomination — and 'Empire', where she made history as the first Black woman to win a Critics Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series. She recently starred in 'The Color Purple' and Peacock's 'Fight Night', winning NAACP Image Awards for both. Henson has also received multiple Emmy and SAG nominations, most recently for her guest role on 'Abbott Elementary'. Beyond entertainment, Henson is a passionate mental health advocate. She founded the Boris L. Henson Foundation to normalize therapy in Black communities and combat stigma. Her bestselling books, 'Around the Way Girl' and 'You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What)', further showcase her commitment to empowerment and authenticity. A Scholar, Minister and HealerDr. Thema Bryant is a renowned psychologist, author, professor, and minister dedicated to healing trauma, fostering healthy relationships, and promoting emotional wellness. A former president of the American Psychological Association, she serves as a tenured professor at Pepperdine University and directs its Culture and Trauma Research Lab. She holds a doctorate from Duke University with post-doctoral training from Harvard Medical Center, and previously led intervention efforts at Princeton University to combat sexual violence and harassment. Dr. Bryant is also an ordained elder in the AME Church and leads the mental health ministry at First A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles. Her recently published book, 'Matters of the Heart' (Penguin Random House), offers empowering insights and tools for emotional growth and meaningful connection. She also hosts The Homecoming Podcast, guiding listeners on their journeys toward healing and wholeness. Class of 2025 By the NumbersThe Class of 2025 is the largest graduating class in the College's history and includes 694 degree candidates - 446 Bachelor of Arts and 248 Bachelor of Science degrees. Spelman's graduate rate remains among the highest in the country at 76%. Top Ten Scholars and Majors:Sydney Scott, co-Valedictorian, BiochemistryCamille Young, co-Valedictorian, Political ScienceNichele Washington, co-Valedictorian, Political ScienceShiloh Wolfork, co-Valedictorian, EnglishAdelle Durand, Salutatorian, BiologyKyndall Cox, Political ScienceNya Marshall, PsychologyTaylor Kerr, PsychologyLindsey Fiesta, PsychologyZoe Purdy, Sociology For more information and to learn more about our speakers and Commencement activities, go to the Media CredentialsMembers of the media interested in covering Spelman's 2025 Commencement activities should complete a Media Credentials Request form by Friday, May 9. You can complete the form here: # # # About Spelman College Founded in 1881, Spelman College is a leading liberal arts college widely recognized as the global leader in the education of women of African descent. Located in Atlanta, the College's picturesque campus is home to 2,300 students. Spelman is the country's leading producer of Black women who complete Ph.D.s in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The College's status is confirmed by the U.S. News & World Report, which ranked Spelman No. 40 among all liberal arts colleges, No. 30 for undergraduate teaching, No. 1 for social mobility among liberal arts colleges, and No. 1 for the 18th year among historically Black colleges and universities. Recent initiatives include a designation by the Department of Defense as a Center of Excellence for Minority Women in STEM, a Gender and Sexuality Studies Institute, the first endowed queer studies chair at an HBCU and a program to increase the number of Black women Ph.D.s in economics. New majors and minors have been added, including documentary filmmaking and photography, data science, refugee studies and gaming. Collaborations have been also established with MIT's Media Lab, the Broad Institute and the Army Research Lab for artificial intelligence and machine learning, among others. Outstanding alumnae include Children's Defense Fund founder Marian Wright Edelman, former Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO Rosalind Brewer, political leader Stacey Abrams, Federal Reserve Governor Lisa D. Cook, former Acting Surgeon General and Spelman's first alumna president Audrey Forbes Manley, Harvard University professor and former Dean Evelynn Hammonds, actress and producer LaTanya Richardson Jackson, global bioinformatics geneticist Janina Jeff and authors Pearl Cleage and Tayari Jones. To learn more, please visit and @spelmancollege on social media. Attachments Taraji P. Henson Dr. Thema Bryant CONTACT: Denise Ward Spelman College 770.862.4028 deniseward@ in to access your portfolio
