Graduates reflect on their College journey: ‘We made it here together’

University of Chicago students reflected upon their achievements—as well as their resilience—during their time as undergraduates, as the College celebrated the Class of 2024 on Friday.

Graduates joined their families, friends and peers along with UChicago leaders and faculty for the eighth annual Class Day ceremony on the Main Quadrangles.

“You’ve persevered with your studies through a pandemic, and fought hard to forge a student body and community, despite social distancing and great uncertainty,” said Melina Hale, dean of the College, as she presided over her first Class Day. “You prevailed and in many ways, are more resilient, stronger and wiser about the world than those of us who studied in less turbulent times.”

Three graduating students addressed the Class of 2024 and the crowd, looking back at their time at UChicago and the communities built over the past four years.

Before arriving on campus as a first-year student, Blessing Nnate was told that “at UChicago things don’t get easier; you just get better.” She credits connections with and support from her peers in helping her thrive.

“I think a big part of that ‘getting better’ comes from learning to lean on the people around you,” said Nnate. “Class of 2024: We have made it quite far from where we started, and we made it here together. In a time of isolation, we found connection; we found community.”

Nell Rydzewski shared that when thinking about her time in the College, it was the small moments that really stood out—the “quiet parts” of everyday life that came to define her experience.

“It’s true that when we talk about ourselves exemplifying the ‘Life of the Mind,’ most of us will automatically think about our favorite Reg cubicle and floor,” said Rydzewski. “But while we certainly know how to study, the ‘Life of the Mind’ means something much greater than just a dusty book you found in the stacks. It means exploring the unknown, opening yourself to new ideas and finding others to guide you along the way.”

Arushi Mukherjee reflected on the journey that brought the Class of 2024 to this point—and the mark left by her extraordinary peers along the way.

“It is impossible to appreciate and understand an ending without having gone on the journey before it,” said Mukherjee. “We have arrived at this moment because of the time we spent here growing up together. As we look back on all the unprecedented times we conquered and who we did it with, we should celebrate the journey we have gone on.”

Heidi Heitkamp, former U.S. senator and director of UChicago’s Institute of Politics, delivered the ceremony’s keynote address. Heitcamp commended the students for being “smart, curious and creative” and truly caring about each other and the world they live in.

In sharing “wisdom from an old lady from North Dakota who has lived life filled with challenge and enjoyed many successes,” Heitkamp challenged the Class of 2024 to be risk-takers—noting that if she was afraid of failure, she never would have become a U.S. senator.

“Make a commitment to yourself today, that once a year, just once a year, every year for the rest of your life, you will do something that scares the hell out of you. You’ll jump out of a plane. You’ll go to a trapeze. You will go whitewater rafting,” said Heitkamp.

“And yes, use your voice to express your views, even when you feel uneasy over the response of those who disagree. It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it scares the hell out of you.”

In a pre-recorded message, Anna Chlumsky, AB‘02, congratulated the Class of 2024 on learning how to think critically—and encouraged them to continue to use the skill for the rest of their lives.

“If you have something to say, make sure that it is true, necessary and kind,” said Chlumsky.

As part of the ceremony, Hale presented the Llewellyn John and Harriet Manchester Quantrell Awards, believed to be the nation’s oldest prize for undergraduate teaching.

Mónica Ruiz House became the second recipient of the Hugo F. Sonnenschein Medal of Excellence, in recognition of her exceptional commitment to social justice and public service throughout her academic career. Fifteen students received Howell Murray Awards for their outstanding contributions to the University through co-curricular activities, and Athletics honored two students from the Swimming and Diving program—Garrett Clasen and Alesha Kelly.

Class Day was part of a weekend of Convocation-related activities across the University and its divisions and schools. The University-wide Convocation ceremony will be held on June 1, with diploma ceremonies in the divisions and schools taking place on the same day across campus.

—A version of this story is published on the University of Chicago College website.