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On Saturday, April 27, the class of 2024 joined the Simpson College alumni family. The graduating class includes 190 undergraduate students from both the traditional undergraduate and Continuing, Graduate and Online programs, as well as two students earning their master's degrees in criminal justice.
Friends and family in attendance heard from several speakers, including Masumo Mwenyi '24, who recalled the trauma of his upbringing in war-torn Tanzania.
"Simpson College became the sanctuary I longed for… a haven where I could begin to heal the wounds of my past," said Masumo. "Let's change the world, not with war and bloodshed, but with compassion, hope, sincerity, and resilience."
College Continuing, Graduate and Online graduate and speaker LaShana Milburn '24 provided an emotional account of her challenging personal journey requiring constantly changing plans. Drawing on those life-altering lessons, she advised her classmates to be flexible.
"Know that when you get thrown the curve balls, you can readjust," said Milburn. "When you look back, you'll see that maybe there was a reason that things worked out the way that they did."
Simpson grad and Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa CEO Beth Shelton '01 delivered the commencement address. Nationally acclaimed for her innovative leadership in workplace culture transformation, Shelton shared that it is not your success on paper that will lead to a fulfilling life. However, the relationships you create and cultivate are the most needed and most important in ensuring your success.
At spring commencement each year, three awards are presented: the Staff Student Impact Award, the Distinguished Teaching Award, and the Trustees' Academic Award. The 2024 Staff Student Impact Award recipient was Director of Academic Coaching Amy Jeffrey-Kennel. Todd Little, Associate Professor of Computer Science, received the Distinguished Teaching Award. Clarissa Melody Huisman '24 received the Trustees' Academic Award.
Simpson would like to thank all those who attended commencement virtually and in person. The College would also like to thank all those who supported the class of 2024 on campus and at home.
Watch a recording of the live stream here.