POMFRET, CT (06/13/2014)(readMedia)– With faculty, students, family and friends looking on, the 105 members of the class of 2014 were honored on Sunday, May 25, at Pomfret School’s 120th Commencement. Addressing the students was Dr. James Rothman ’67, Yale University professor, Pomfret Trustee; and recipient, in December 2013, of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Dr. Rothman, who last fall referred to the importance of following what is “deeply in your heart,” spoke to the students on May 25 about “Patience and Urgency.”
Alicia Brisson of Colchester was among the 105 graduates who received a diploma from Head of School Tim Richards (P ’15) and Board President Charles Wilmerding (P ’11, ’14) and an enthusiastic congratulatory handshake from the Nobel laureate. Alicia was one of thirteen who earned membership in the Cum Laude Society, a national fellowship of scholars which recognizes “excellence in academic work.” She was also presented with a Faculty Award, which is given to a senior who, in the opinion of the faculty, deserves special recognition.
Dr. Rothman gave the 105 graduates three career constellations by which to navigate their post-Pomfret lives: “Differentiate”; “Focus on long-term value”; and “Develop your leadership and teamwork skills.” Because, he explained, “you are graduating at a time of profound change and ferment the likes of which we have not seen for half a century.” With the scientist’s eye, he presented what he saw as the fertile dynamics of patience and urgency. “Patience: Have a long-term goal. Stick with it. Set achievable short-term goals but never lose the big picture,” he said. To make it work, “Urgency: Pursue [that] long-term goal as if every day matters–because it does.”
Mark Kozlowski of Oakdale was among the 105 graduates who received a diploma from Head of School Tim Richards (P ’15) and Board President Charles Wilmerding (P ’11, ’14) and an enthusiastic congratulatory handshake from the Nobel laureate.
Dr. Rothman gave the 105 graduates three career constellations by which to navigate their post-Pomfret lives: “Differentiate”; “Focus on long-term value”; and “Develop your leadership and teamwork skills.” Because, he explained, “you are graduating at a time of profound change and ferment the likes of which we have not seen for half a century.” With the scientist’s eye, he presented what he saw as the fertile dynamics of patience and urgency. “Patience: Have a long-term goal. Stick with it. Set achievable short-term goals but never lose the big picture,” he said. To make it work, “Urgency: Pursue [that] long-term goal as if every day matters–because it does.”
Founded in 1894 and coeducational since 1968, Pomfret School is an independent college preparatory boarding and day school for approximately 360 students in grades 9 through 12 and postgraduates, and the more than 40 faculty members involved in their lives. Set on 500 acres in the celebrated Last Green Valley of Northeastern Connecticut, Pomfret offers eight academic disciplines, 19 AP and 16 Honors courses, over 100 elective courses; 25 sports options, and numerous opportunities to participate in community outreach and service programs. At Pomfret we endeavor to teach, guide, and above all, inspire.