Bard College 2022 Commencement Ceremony

By Miranda Reale

ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON – Bard College held its 162nd commencement last Saturday. At the commencement ceremony, Bard President Leon Botstein delivered a charge to the Class of 2022. “No class of graduates in recent memory have left their campuses to take their places in the world at a moment in history more terrifying than that which faces this class of 2022. Consider the violence that surrounds us in the form of the killings in Texas and Buffalo, and the war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine. Violence threatens the lives and tranquility of every individual,” he said. After two years of virtual Commencement ceremonies, this year’s graduation was shrouded by clouds of anger and fear as the events in Buffalo, then in Texas, could not be forgotten; yet a message of hope and greatness was understood among Bardians.

Honorary Trustee and Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, Andrew M.L. Dietsche delivered an opening blessing. “Make each of our graduates and all of us here brave, strong and faithful to meet the challenges of a broken world now laid before us at our feet,” he said.

“As we raise our hearts in celebration, we ask that you not forget those who mourn, and may we be part of the solution,” he said.

In the Baccalaureate service students and faculty attended last Thursday leading up to the Commencement ceremony, a verse about “truth entering the ear of reason” was sung, taken from Franz Joseph Haydn’s Creation. President Botstein referenced the universal capacity, not only for language, but for music. Concertmaster and conductor, Botstein utilized his professional music experience to offer a sense of solidarity, and perhaps even levity. “We have lost that indispensable quality of humanity: our sense of humor,” he said and earnest applause followed. “Your alma mater is dedicated to the expansion of knowledge and the search for truth. We invite you as alumni to join us in embracing that mission as you step up to the fight for freedom, justice, and democracy,” he said before granting graduates with their degrees.

Honorary degrees were awarded to Haaland, Fordham University President Joseph M. McShane S.J., composer Zeena Parkins ’79, computer scientist Jennifer Tour Chayes, writer Alaa Al Aswany, scholar Jerome Kohn, musician Marcus Roberts, and Deputy Director of the National Gallery of Art Eric Motley.