At Principia, the end of another year is more than a string of exciting events. It’s a joining of hands from the past and present. And amidst all the activity and the reminiscence, Principians of all ages learn that, while things may change from year to year, the heart of Principia remains the same.
Carolina Rojas sharing at Baccalaureate
For College seniors, the end of the year means a busy schedule full of joy and camaraderie —and this year was certainly no exception. Students were welcomed into Principia's alumni association with a festive celebration. They listened to their class representatives—Carolina Rojas (C’25), William Hagenlocher (US’21, C’25), Zemma Kitchen (C’25), and Emmanuel Atiko (C’25)—share words of inspiration at the Baccalaureate Ceremony. They gave tearful words of gratitude at the International Student Speeches. They presented capstones, accepted awards at the Awards Ceremony, and, of course, walked across Cox Auditorium stage to claim their diplomas.
But every Principian knows the end of an academic year is so much more than a packed calendar of accolades and celebrations. Rojas said it best in her baccalaureate speech when she observed that, “Today, tomorrow, and this weekend aren’t just about crossing a finish line; it’s about honoring who we became along the way. Let us be grateful for this place that saw us before we saw ourselves.”
For parents who are also Principia alumni, Commencement Weekend is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on their own Principia experiences. “I distinctly remember how special my graduation from Principia Upper School was,” says Julie (Stauder) Franklin (US’85). “The same unique sense of love and inclusion that I felt during my graduation was very much present during my daughter’s.”
The Heath Family poses for pictures with their graduate.
"Celebrating with my sons brought to mind memories of celebrating with my own family during graduation,” says Jordan Poznick (US'90, C’94). “The pride and joy my parents felt was something I got to experience. There were so many alumni who were like me, feeling that same sense of joy and pride at seeing their kids graduate from Principia. It was really fun to see.”
For others, like Jeff Scott (US’81, C’87), the weekend also emphasized the strength of Principia’s alumni network. “One thing that stood out to me at every event was the sense of community and continuity that is unique to Principia. Seeing my former classmates and teammates who are now faculty and staff members, meeting and sitting with grandparents who were members of the same house that I called home 40 years ago, or meeting up with younger alumni who have also forged friendships that will last a lifetime were a beautiful thing to experience,” says Scott. “The sense of connection and belonging at Principia College is like nothing I have ever experienced anywhere else.”
“Principia’s community always stands out to me,” says Principia Alumni Association President, Wendy (Williams) Swarts (C’88). “The end-of-year celebrations are filled to the brim with it. The pancake breakfast for graduating seniors and their families, the parent gratitude session, singing hymns in the chapel, reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones—all of it is so special.”
Underscoring all the excitement was the reminder that it’s the people, not the events, who make Principia. Whether they're from the class of 2025, or 1975, every Principian is a part of a larger patchwork that stretches across the globe. And when Principians connect and unite, big things happen. “We build upon past experiences and use them to inform our future decisions,” said Baccalaureate speaker, Hagenlocher. “So let your past experiences be those of courage and triumph, and a lovely community that has your back.”