Once again, the NCA was honored to work with a fantastic student committee to create a truly memorable event!

Held on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the historic Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, the [NEW] Commencement was a packed celebration by and for New College graduates. Over 700 people showed up, including nearly the full complement of graduates along with their families, faculty, staff, alumni, and allies. 

It sounds cliché to say it, but it was truly a magical experience!

The night started with a large crowd converging on the auditorium. When you organize something like this, there is always the little nagging worry that no one will show up, but those fears were put to rest quickly by the number of people who turned out to support our graduates. People were lined up ten deep to sign in, grab programs, and pick out their pronouns pins! 

Check out the program!

The ceremony officially began at 6:45 with inspirational words from graduating Catalyst editor Gaby Batista and graduating NCSA president Grace Keenan. Alumna and NCA coordinator Amanda Gilliland shared a few words as well. Then it was on to honoring retiring faculty, followed by an amazing keynote address by author and journalist Masha Gessen. 

Professor Sarah Hernandez and Professor Nova Myhill did the complex footwork of presenting the Class of 2024, one by one—each graduate dressed in their own unique way because New College traditions hold fast! Then it was on to closing remarks by our own Jono Miller, professor emeritus and New College alum. 

After that? Time to party!

Watch the entire event!

Special thanks to the staff of the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium and Curated Catering Events for helping to make [NEW] Commencement 2024 an amazing success.