Convocation 2023

As members of the Vassar community gathered in the Chapel for the College’s Convocation ceremonies on August 30, Professor of Art Yvonne Elet urged her audience to open their eyes to the buildings and landscape of the campus as a place that helps to define their college experience.

“The fundamental role of a college campus is to foster intellectual discovery, creative thinking, a sense of community, and discourse,” Elet told the more than 1,200 attending the 158th annual event. “It is a place that provides a sense of safety and belonging; and at the same time, a healthy jolt of disorientation to provoke new modes of thinking. It is a laboratory for learning.”

Professor Elet led her audience on a virtual tour of campus elements, noting that “the collection of buildings, landscape elements, and the enduring tree canopy all contribute to the distinctive character or spirit of the place—its genius loci. The campus is a tangible expression of the College’s identity, where physical setting serves to express intangibles of character and meaning.”

Elet said she had recently met a Vassar alum who told her she had not appreciated, until she returned five years after graduating, how beautiful the campus was—she had been too busy to notice her surroundings. “I think that characterizes most of us at times: so overloaded and living in our heads that we fail to register fully what is around us,” said Elet. “ So, I am exhorting you to explore and enjoy our park-like campus.”

As the class of 2027 filed into the Chapel clad in the caps and gowns they will wear again four years from now, they were greeted by the music of organist Gail Archer, then a riveting performance by the Convocation Choir that President Elizabeth H. Bradley said brought tears to her eyes.

New Faculty Endowed Chairs
During Convocation, President Bradley announced the seven new recipients of faculty endowed chairs. They are:

In her opening remarks, Bradley said the Convocation ceremonies welcomed the Vassar community to the start of the academic year. “We are joining in a long tradition, working together as a community,” Bradley said. “May this be a year of learning and growing together.”

Priya Nair ’15, Deputy Chief Diversity Officer in the Office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul, echoed the themes of community and personal growth while accepting the Young Alumnae/i Achievement Award, presented annually by the Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC). “I am so grateful to Vassar, because it is a huge part of where I am today,” Nair said. “Vassar gave me skills like writing and research, but also skills of relationship building, of being curious about other people, and most importantly, of being authentically me.”

Nair said they were eager to see how the undergraduates seated in the Chapel before them would tackle the world’s challenges upon leaving the campus. “Please know you will always have me in your corner,” they said. “I can’t wait to see all the ways you will transform yourselves and transform the world.”

Nair received the award from Stephanie Goldberg ’14, a member of the AAVC’s Recognition Committee and AAVC Vice President Brian Farkas ’10, who reminded members of the Class of 2027 that “Vassar is not a four-year experience. Vassar is with you for a lifetime.”

Olivia Gross ’24, President of the Vassar Student Association, urged her fellow students, particularly members of her class, to make the most of the coming year. “When we come back to Vassar, it should be with no regrets,” Gross said. “College is about connections and support. This is our college experience, and we have the power to make it the best it can be.” —Larry Hertz