Commencement 2024

“What could possibly go right?”

That’s the question that award-winning restaurateur Danny Meyer ’80, P’20 recommended members of the Trinity College Class of 2024 ask when considering new opportunities. “Rather than focusing only on the potential downsides . . . try hard to let yourself be open to the upsides,” Meyer advised during his speech at Trinity’s 198th Commencement on Sunday, May 19, on the Main Quad.

In all, 559 students earned their degrees. Among the undergraduates, 336 received bachelor of arts degrees, and 209 were awarded bachelor of science degrees. Five of the undergraduate degree recipients were Individualized Degree Program (IDP) students. Fourteen graduate students received master’s degrees.

Trinity bestowed an honorary doctor of humane letters degree on Meyer—an author, entrepreneur, and the founder of Union Square Hospitality Group and Shake Shack—in recognition of his investment in and dedication to hospitality and to serving others, his community, and the College.

Trinity also awarded honorary doctor of laws degrees to former Hartford Mayor Luke A. Bronin, in recognition of his influence in service to Hartford and the nation and the care with which he led the city, and to his wife, professor and policymaker Sara C. Bronin, in recognition of her contributions to the greater good as a public servant, academician, and attorney.

Student speaker Aarti Carolina Lamberg ’24 asked everyone to slow down and to not rely too heavily on technology as a replacement for human emotions and interactions. “I ask that you allow yourselves a few moments every day to breathe and to make sure you’re doing what you can to spread love and positivity,” she said. “We can choose to return to our inner humanity, to look up from our devices, and to see one another as fellow people.”

In her charge to the graduates, Trinity President Joanne Berger-Sweeney implored them to never stop learning or seeking answers and to embrace the unknown. “You hold the power to use this incredible tool of a liberal arts education to make your community a better place, wherever you go,” she said.

Henry Shapiro, of New York, who earned a B.S., summa cum laude, with honors in computer science and an additional major in mathematics, was named valedictorian. Hannah Lorenzo, of Arizona, who earned a B.A., summa cum laude, with honors in international studies: global studies and a minor in rhetoric, writing, and media studies, was named salutatorian.

At the end of the ceremony—but just before Trinity graduates tossed their mortar boards into the air—Trinity College Alumni Association President Jorge Eduardo Rodriguez ’91 welcomed the graduates into the company of Trinity alumni, numbering approximately 30,000 around the world.

Watch the full ceremony.

ACCOLADES Trustee Award for Faculty Excellence: Gregory G. Mario ’87 Associate Professor of Chemistry Michelle L. Kovarik, Paul E. Raether Distinguished Professor of Urban International Studies Garth A. Myers Staff Excellence: Administrative Assistant for Physics, Environmental Science, Public Policy and Law, and Philosophy Elizabeth Landell-Simon Student Excellence: Aarti Carolina Lamberg ’24, Bernardo F. Simões ’24 The Thomas Church Brownell Prize for Teaching Excellence: Professor of Mathematics David Mauro The Dean Arthur H. Hughes Award for Achievement in Teaching: Assistant Professor of Economics Ibrahim K. Shikaki, Assistant Professor of International Studies and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Shunyuan Zhang

PHOTOS: NICK CAITO, JOEL CALLAWAY