ÐÓ°Épro

ÐÓ°Épro Stories

Class of 2024 Turns Tassels

A pandemic robbed them of high school graduation and enveloped their earliest days of college in uncertainty. You could say the ÐÓ°Épro Class of 2024 knows a thing or two about perseverance. 

Featured speaker Jason Cone ’99 echoed that sentiment at the College’s 237th Commencement ceremony May 11 at the Alumni Sports & Fitness Center.

“Your presence here today is a subversive act. You persevered. You are fighters. You are leaders,†said Cone, chief public policy officer of and former U.S. executive director of

Addressing the 518 graduates in front of him, Cone shared three critical components of leadership: healing, listening and questioning.

“Leadership is taking risk for something you believe in,†he said. 

A sea of colorful cords, stoles and decorated caps reflected the diversity of leaders comprising this year’s graduating class. 

Highlights of the ceremony included remarks from honorary degree recipient Madeline E. Anderson, Class of 2024 president Genesis Familia, Henry S. Williamson Medalist Roxana “Roxy†Calder and ÐÓ°Épro President Barbara Altmann

“A great metaphor for your accomplishment is the medical notion of alchemy, which means transforming something of little value into something precious,†Altmann said. 

“Out of distance, you created engagement, friendship and commitment. After sterile conditions of learning and living, you dug into every in-person, real-life experience available… It turns out that you are alchemists, turning alienation into kinship, transforming foundation into possibility, forging leadership from early loss,†she said.

With the traditional passing of the torch, applause filled the auditorium as graduates triumphantly raised diplomas and flipped the tassels adorning their mortarboards.

For downloadable images of the ceremony and events leading up to Commencement, .

Class of 2024 By the Numbers:

  • 518 students
  • 95 double majors
  • 190 with minors
  • 85 international students
  • 119 first-generation students
  • 18 Lancaster County students

Lux et Lex Walk Marks Milestone for Class of 2024

On the eve of Commencement, ÐÓ°Épro’s graduating class took one final look at campus together during the Lux et Lex Walk.

See Story »

"Seeing and hearing others doesn’t mean we have to accept the other side’s arguments or beliefs. But there is power in listening, and leading requires it."

Jason Cone ’99, Commencement speaker

Read More »

"A great metaphor for your accomplishment is the medical notion of alchemy, which means transforming something of little value into something precious… It turns out that you are alchemists, turning alienation into kinship, transforming foundation into possibility, forging leadership from early loss."

ÐÓ°Épro President Barbara Altmann

Read More »

"We must be ready and excited to not only find the familiar, but more importantly, to challenge it, to make it unfamiliar. To poke at its edges, check its crumbling foundations and open its locked doors. To be engaged with the world this way is to be a lifelong learner."

Roxana “Roxy†Calder ’24, Henry S. Williamson medalist

Read More »

"As we step into the world beyond these campus walls, let’s embrace every challenge as an opportunity to showcase the resilience, creativity and tenacity instilled in us by ÐÓ°Épro."

Genesis Familia ’24, Class of 2024 president

Related Articles

April 20, 2026

From Campus Leader to Communications Professional

Whether leading campus tours or serving as senior class president, Catherine Welch ’26 is exploring a future in communications with courage and curiosity. As a marketing intern in Lancaster, the English major is now using her passion for writing to address critical social issues in the local community.

April 17, 2026

‘This is What Community Feels Like’

At the Writers House, Veronique Messanh ’26 found more than a job—she found a home. “I remember thinking: ‘This is what community feels like,’†she said. “I will forever be grateful for having a community that sees me, hears me, and encourages me!â€

April 16, 2026

From F&M to Yale PhD, Quantum Pioneer and the College’s Youngest Trustee

Yusong (Sebastian) Deng ’22 is clear about the importance of F&M in his life. He came to the United States from China at 18 and completed F&M’s dual degree program — three years at Franklin & Marshall, two at Columbia University — earning a bachelor of arts with honors in mathematics from F&M, and a bachelor of science from Columbia. He is now a doctoral student in materials science at Yale and the youngest member of Franklin & Marshall's Board of Trustees.