The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Oberlin College holds 2017 graduation
Seven hundred students earned diplomas
Seven hundred students received degrees at Oberlin College’s 184th commencement on May 22 at Tappan Square in the heart of Oberlin.
The commencement address was given by Darren Walker who serves as president of the Ford Foundation and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanities.
In opening his address, Walker alluded to Oberlin’s respect and appreciation for the arts in marking the 100th anniversary of the Allen Memorial Art Museum.
“They expand our imaginations. They reorient our perspectives. They change our assumptions. They instill the sense of empathy that binds us together, that keeps us together. Without the arts, we are without the tools to develop empathy,” he said.
Walker emphasized Oberlin’s long history of advocating for social justice and inclusion from its geographical position as a central stop on the underground railroad, and its commitment to admitting African American and female students.
“In 1833 this college was founded on religious belief. And in its first four years, Oberlin began admitting African American students, and then women students, before any other college in the United States,” Walker said.
The college also gave honorary degrees to Lonnie Bunch III, the founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History, Oberlin Dance Company founder Brenda Way, environmentalsit Rosemary Ahtuangaruak and musician Eddie Daniels
Benjamin Ezinga, Joshua Rosen and Naomi Sabel were all recognized with the Community Service Award for their contributions to developing and restoring parts of the city of Oberlin through their organization, Sustainable Community Associates.
Oberlin’s 2017 ceremony marked the final commencement for outgoing Oberlin College President Marvin Krislov who departs to become president of New York’s Pace University.