On Tuesday, June 12, faculty and staff, family and friends gathered in the Graduation Garden to watch the 80 seniors in the Class of 2018 receive their Bryn Mawr diplomas. There were plenty of hugs, laughter and tears – reflective of how much the Class of 2018 means to one another and to the entire Bryn Mawr community.

Dr. Carla Hayden, the first woman and first African American to serve as Librarian of Congress, was this year’s Commencement speaker. She discussed the future that awaits the Class of 2018, and encouraged them to go into the world as bold and courageous young women. Dr. Hayden remarked that as graduates, they are not just being presented with a diploma, but being presented to the world. She encouraged the Class of 2018 to identify opportunities as they arise, and know that there are plenty of twists and turns in life, telling the story of how she got into her profession as an “accidental librarian.”

“Change will come and come fast, and what you know now is most likely not what you will need to know in the future,” Hayden said. Today is another step in a journey of discovery, and the most important and lasting skills you have learned are how to learn and persevere.”

Dr. Hayden concluded her remarks saying, “As I stand here, at a school that has embodied empowering young women, I would like to end with a quote by Susan B. Anthony who collaborated with your founder Mary Elizabeth Garrett. She said: ‘The older I get, the great power I seem to have to help the world. I am like a snowball – the further I am rolled the more I gain.’ Today, be that snowball. Seize life!”

Three awards were announced during the ceremony. Kate Dowling ‘19 was honored with the Bryn Mawr College Prize and Lindsay Wang ‘19 with the Edith Hamilton Award; both awards are based on year-end academic averages. Clare Booth ‘18 was given The Bryn Mawr School Scholarship, which honors the graduating senior with the highest academic record throughout her school years and who shows promise of academic distinction in college. Booth will attend University of Chicago this fall.

Head of School Sue Sadler commended the graduates for their leadership, commitment to being a joyful and united presence on campus, and for having wisdom far beyond their years. Sadler concluded her remarks saying, “You are the stuff of Convocations, Gym Drills, daisy baskets, bars and stars. You grew up here, and this school will always be a part of your story, as you will always be a part of Bryn Mawr’s.

Click here to watch the full 2018 Commencement ceremony.
Change will come and come fast, and what you know now is most likely not what you will need to know in the future. Today is another step in a journey of discovery, and the most important and lasting skills you have learned are how to learn and persevere. 

Dr. Carla Hayden
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, The Bryn Mawr School is a private all-girls pre-kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school with a coed preschool for ages 2 months through 5 years. Bryn Mawr provides students with exceptional educational opportunities on a beautiful 26-acre campus within the city limits. Inquisitive girls, excellent teaching, strong student-teacher relationships and a clear mission sustain our vibrant school community where girls always come first.