Rutgers logo
Douglass Residential College

The 102nd Douglass College Spring Convocation

Students with three Douglass gonfolans

In March 2020, the Class of 2023 left Douglass in the middle of their first year of college due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For the next year and a half, they persisted through online learning, built community across computer screens, and adapted and re-adapted to evolving uncertainty in the wider world. On May 13, the College was thrilled to come together to honor this special graduating cohort at the 102nd Douglass Spring Convocation.

The Class of 2023 was joined on the field by Dean Meghan Rehbein, Chancellor-Provost of Rutgers–New Brunswick Dr. Francine Conway, Douglass staff, platform party members, family, and friends.

Dr. Talithia Williams, renowned TED speaker and host of PBS’ Nova Wonders, gave the keynote address.

“You are part of a long legacy of Rutgers-Douglass women who have gone on to achieve great things…trailblazers in the sciences, pioneers in the arts and humanities,” said Dr. Williams. “You’ve made your mark in countless ways. As you now begin to take your place in that legacy, I urge you to think about how you’re going to use your own unique talents and passions to claim your education, to claim your space, and to claim your narrative. You are the Douglass difference.” 

Graduating senior Ana Lopez DRC’23, delivered a passionate speech to the Class of 2023.

“All of the people we were fortunate enough to meet and all of the opportunities we were fortunate enough to have during our time at Douglass, have helped us grow into the people we are now,” she said. “Our Knowledge and Power classes taught us that power is in our voice. Our mentors helped guide the way toward our unique experiences, our roommates and resident assistants taught us how to build a community, and our Douglass programs gave us a look into our careers and personal passions. Douglass helped give us the opportunity to discover who we are, who we want to become, and what it is that we have the power to do.”

On behalf of everyone at Douglass, congratulations to the Class of 2023!

View a photo album from the 102nd Spring Convocation below! 

See the photo album below!