A capacity crowd of families, friends, faculty, and students gathered under the tents May 13 to applaud this year’s graduating seniors and listen to 2018 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Nadia Murad, who delivered the Commencement keynote address. Interim President Jill Klein P’15 framed the graduates’ achievements in the context of the College’s history: “Class of 2023, six decades after the founding of our College, your accomplishments and character demonstrate the best of Pitzer.”

Murad described her brutal journey from being enslaved by ISIS to becoming a global voice for human rights. “There are two tools that you need as you work for justice and peace: community and determination,” said Murad.

Senior Class Speaker Nejat Ali ’23 expressed appreciation to first-generation students, family, and the Pitzer community. Ali was followed by Senior Class President Annemarie Gerlach ’23, who announced that the senior class gift would go to the First Gen student fund, and by Alumni Board President Diana Bob ’02, who encouraged participation in the College’s alumni network.

Once the ceremony ended, the graduates took a final walk of fame and enjoyed quality time with their loved ones to commemorate their brilliant achievement.