Dear Wellesley community,

Last Friday, our academic year came to a close with our 143rd commencement exercises, which launched the members of the great evergreen class of 2021 on the next phase of their journey and marked the end of an enormously challenging year at the College.

It was an honor to preside over the ceremony. As I watched our graduating seniors celebrate with their families in living rooms around the world, or hug each other on Severance Green as the chapel’s bells rang out, I felt an immense sense of joy, and a spirit of togetherness that every single member of our community had a hand in forging.

That sense of community and shared responsibility has been present since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. It was there when we planned our approach to a healthy, safe academic year, and it was there when students, faculty, and staff acted on those plans with a profound sense of dedication, care for each other, and adaptability as the public health situation changed and changed again.

Whether you are a member of our tremendous faculty, our remarkable staff, or our exemplary student body, you went above and beyond to make this a successful year. Together, we accomplished so much that was inconceivable just a year ago.

I am looking forward to seeing you on campus in the fall, and to all that will be possible as a result of your hard work. I truly appreciate the long hours you’ve put in, the hardships you’ve borne, the patience and kindness you’ve demonstrated, and the sacrifices you’ve made. Thank you for everything you have done for Wellesley.

I sincerely hope that you have plans to spend time with family, loved ones, and friends this summer, and that you have set aside time to decompress and recharge.

As we turn the page on this year like no other, I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead such a remarkable community. It has been a privilege to move through this past year side by side with you. Wellesley is the special place it is because of you. You made this year a success, and one we can look back on with pride and a deep sense of shared achievement.

Sincerely,

Paula A. Johnson
President