As always, the graduting students were the main event. This year we had a tap dancer, a duet of Moon River with ukelele accompaniment, a tea ceremony, a shark constume, a shadow-boxing event (complete with red boxing gloves) and much love and gratitude.  RC Director Jonathan D. Wells served as the Master of Ceremonies and RC Academic Services Director Charlie Murphy introduced the graduates as each of them took the stage. Associate Director of Curriculum Jennifer Myers, and Associate Director for Faculty Naomi André were on stage to distribute and receive hugs and handshakes. 

This year we also invited two alumni to deliver closing remarks: Kacy Vliestra-Martin and Evan Martin. After graduating from the RC in 2008 with a degree in Comparative Literature and Latin American Studies, Kacy received her Masters in Education from Michigan and taught fourth grade in Chicago Public Schools. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Educational Policy at Michigan State University. Following his time in the Residential College, Evan completed a degree in the Program in the Environment in 2009 before moving to Chicago to teach high school science with Teach for America. He is currently finishing his third year in the University of Michigan Medical School.

If you'd like to read a copy of their remarks, please click here.