Hampden-Sydney College held commencement exercises Saturday, May 12, 2018.
On a sunny morning on the lawn of Venable Hall, 230 men joined the ranks of the nation's 5th best alumni network. Saturday, May 12, 2018, marked the commencement exercises of the 243rd year of Hampden-Sydney College.
In addition to remarks from College President Larry Stimpert, the assembled faculty, staff, graduates, family, and friends were addressed by the president of the American Enterprise Institute, Arthur C. Brooks, and the senior class valedictorian, Hayden J. Dougherty '18, a Chemistry and Economics double major.
Hayden reminded his fellow brothers of the lessons they learned during their time at H-SC. "Hampden-Sydney men are to be held to the highest standard of honor, integrity, and character. Honor, integrity, and character: three virtues that alone are important, but together create the essence of a man who is ready to face the world and all of its challenges."
Encouraging the graduates to focus on elements in their control, Brooks noted, "Never forget this advice on your life happiness portfolio: faith, family, friends, and work. Make a deposit each day and prepare to live your best life."
President Stimpert remarked, "This diploma is a tangible symbol of the preparation you have received here to pursue your dreams, purpose, and aspirations; to be a good man and a good citizen; and to lead and serve, with competence and honor, the families you will form, the organizations where you work, the communities you call home, and our larger society."
Hampden-Sydney men are to be held to the highest standard of honor, integrity, and character. Honor, integrity, and character: three virtues that alone are important, but together create the essence of a man who is ready to face the world and all of its challenges.
Hayden J. Dougherty '18, senior class valedictorian
The College presented diplomas to 227 graduates at commencement. Honorary degrees were also given to Dr. Brooks and the previous night's baccalaureate speaker, Dr. Kenneth P. Ruscio, president emeritus of Washington and Lee University and president of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges.
In addition, several students, faculty, staff, and friends of the College received awards during the ceremony.
Guilherme J. Guimaraes '18 was this year's recipient of the Gammon Cup, awarded to the student-athlete in the graduating class who has best served the College. Gui, a recipient of the Davis Fellowship, served as a resident advisor and member of the Student Court. A member of Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Kappa, Gui was a standout basketball player who served as team captain during his senior year.
The Anna Carrington Harrison Award, given to the student who shows the most constructive leadership in a school year, was awarded to Joshua M. Katowitz '18. A President's Scholar, Josh served as a resident advisor and Student Court chairman, and was also a member of the basketball team.
The Samuel S. Jones Phi Beta Kappa Award, which recognizes intellectual excellence as manifested in outstanding student research, was awarded to James D. Ingersoll '18, for a paper titled "Synaptic Plasticity in Neuroscience: A Tale of Good and Evil."
The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion, which honors students and friends of the College for character and service to Hampden-Sydney, was awarded to four individuals:
Steven A. Dvornick '18, a student senator and member of Omicron Delta Kappa
Samuel S. Murphy '18, a resident advisor, member of Omicron Delta Kappa, and president of the student government
Richard F. "Dickie" Cralle, Jr. '65, a former College trustee, generous benefactor, and owner and president of Green Front Furniture in Farmville, Virginia
John W. "Bill" Kirk III '72, a College trustee, generous benefactor, and president and CEO of Associated Asphalt, Inc.
The Cabell Award, given annually to a faculty member in recognition of outstanding classroom contribution to the education of Christian young men, was awarded to Elliott Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science Rebecca Jayne.
The Thomas Edward Crawley Award, which is awarded to a professor "most distinguished for devoted service to the ideals of Hampden-Sydney and the education of her sons," was given to Senior Lecturer of Fine Arts Mary Prevo.
Samuel S. Murphy '18, this year's student body president, presented the Senior Class Award to Dr. Herb Sipe. Parker Smith '18, co-chairman of the Senior Campaign, presented a $8,002.50 check for the Class of 2018 Scholarship in honor of Dean Shawn White.
Three graduates were also commissioned as officers in the United States Army: Robert W. Holland '18, Jr., Hunter Thomas Keiser '18, and Thomas Lee Parks '18.
