All photos by Jamie Cotten

By Alexa Gromko

“You are graduating at a moment when it is vital to take a stand,” said Commencement Speaker Mike Shum ’07, addressing the Class of 2025, the historic 150th class at CC, and the largest class in the College’s history with 537 graduating seniors. The award-winning, independent filmmaker and journalist shared a message to embrace the unknown, face fears, and to keep eyes wide open.

“I found my purpose in journalism,” Shum said. “Reporting, fact-gathering, fact-checking, and the overall process of journalism became integral to my filmmaking process. Capturing history became a responsibility. I found purpose in holding power accountable, in showing diverse perspectives across a political, racial, and socioeconomic divide, and in shedding light on stories that would otherwise remain lost or hidden.”

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Ellie Visser ’25 and her supervisor, pictured during her summer internship at the exercise lab in Summer 2024. Photo provided by Visser. 

By Julia Fennell ’21

Molecular Biology major Ellie Visser ’25 wasn’t always sure what she wanted to do after graduating. What she did know, however, was that she was passionate about helping others, particularly vulnerable populations, and she enjoyed science. Then, after working a ten-week internship at Lown Cardiovascular Group last summer, Visser realized her true calling: nursing.

“The two most important things I learned from my summer internship were my love of cardiology and the heart and its obvious connectedness with the body as well as getting to learn about each individual’s role within the clinic,” Visser says.

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Members of the now-annual Consulting Club project – Yumna Ali ’27, Justin Boder ’27, Logan Brunk ’27, Lucas Donahue ’26, Sonia Guliak ’26, Jordan Humphrey ’26, Madron Joyce ’27, Lenny Lehmitz ’28, Alexandra McCarthy ’26, Dana Mulco ’27, Veronica Gonzalez Paris ’26, Will Peterson ’27, Sunya Raza ’25, Leo Rothschild ’27, Emmet Shumam ’26, and Wes Vorley ’27. Photo provided by Cindy Hyman ’82, Associate Vice President for Engagement.

By Julia Fennell ’21

The Office of Alumni Relations approached the CC Consulting Club last fall about looking into how their office could effectively increase the number of alumni engaged with the College, with a particular focus on increasing and maintaining the number of relationships with young alumni (those that have graduated within the last six years). Alumni Relations had noticed a lower level of engagement among this demographic and was in search of a solution. After seeing the success the club had had in their work with CC’s Career Center, Alumni Relations hired the group to do a full study.

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Ana Musto ’22, a former Molecular Biology major, is now working as a senior research associate at Nilo Therapeutics, a biotech company working to create therapies for autoimmune diseases. Photo provided by Musto.

By Julia Fennell ’21

As a liberal arts school on the Block Plan, CC is uniquely positioned to prepare students in the sciences to work as researchers, scientists, environmentalists, and more. The multiple science programs – paired with CC’s interdisciplinary, project-based education focused on teaching critical thinking – gives students a huge advantage when going into STEM fields. Ana Musto ’22 knows this firsthand, as she is using what she learned as a Molecular Biology major and Biochemistry minor in her role as a senior research associate at Nilo Therapeutics, a biotech company working to create therapies for autoimmune diseases.

“There were countless times at CC when I had to step out of my comfort zone and experience the learning process through failure,” says Musto. “This lesson has been key in my career, where I’m often faced with new, complex problems that require me to think creatively, adjust, and keep moving forward. With my current position being at the intersection of immunology and neuroscience, CC’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning is paying off.”

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Come to the FAC on Saturday, Jun. 21, from 5:30-8 p.m. for ILLUMINATE, an extraordinary evening dedicated to celebrating the arts and the enduring light they bring to our community. Hosted by the Fine Arts Center Foundation Board of Directors, this vibrant gathering shines a spotlight on the FAC’s rich legacy — and the bright, inspiring future we are building together.

Throughout the night, you’ll experience a lively blend of creativity, connection, and discovery. Sip craft cocktails, savor delicious hors d’oeuvres, and enjoy the sounds of live music filling the spaces of our iconic venue.

Guest tickets are $85; VIP Tickets — which include two drink tickets, an art print commissioned exclusively for the event, and a bottle of wine — are $120.

Seniors gather for the annual Champagne Showers to celebrate the end of Block 8 and their time as students at CC on May 14 on Worner Quad. Photo by Jamie Cotten