Messages from Faculty & Staff

Williams faculty and staff share congratulations and words of wisdom as you embark on the next stage of your life.

Jeremy Cone, Assistant Professor

Congratulations, Class of 2020! You made it! I’ve watched you learn and grow over the last four years and struggle to become the people you are today. What you’ve just achieved is tremendously difficult under normal circumstances—and things are anything but normal at the moment. The world you enter today faces unprecedented challenges. You have already endured far more than your fair share—more than anyone could reasonably ask of you. But one of the things that gives me hope for the future is the knowledge that you will be one of the voices to lead it. I can’t imagine how it must feel to celebrate this achievement from afar, but I just want you to know that this isn’t over. We’re not done here yet. We have some unfinished business. Know that this place will be here to welcome you with open arms when it’s possible for that to happen. After the dust settles, we will come together in Williamstown and we will celebrate. I’m looking forward to that day. Congratulations, Williams 2020! You are an incredibly special class, and I’ll be very excited to follow you on your journey post-Williams. I’m so proud of each and every one of you for everything you’ve accomplished.

Sara LaLumia, Professor of Economics

So proud of you! Teaching you, and learning from you, has been so much fun.

Matt Tokeshi, Assistant Professor of Political Science

Congratulations! May you all emerge stronger, wiser, and more compassionate from these challenging times.

Steve Klass, VP for Campus Life

Dear Class of 2020, I want to express my gratitude and admiration for all you’ve accomplished in your time at Williams, especially given the jarring, unprecedented manner in which it ended. While I’m deeply sorry that your in-person ceremony had to be postponed until next year, I look forward to celebrating with you then. You’re graduating into a world that absolutely needs empathetic, intellectually nimble, community-oriented, passionate people to guide us. I can’t think of a more capable, prepared cohort of future leaders than those of you who are about to embark on this next adventure. Thank you for your mighty contributions to this place over the last four years. We’re a better place for your having been here.

Emily Bourguignon, Development Operations Manager

Congratulations! The college community is so proud of you!

Doris Stevenson, Artist in Residence in Piano

Congratulations to Eugene Cho, terrific pianist, wonderful warm, thoughtful person. I enjoyed every piano lesson for four years with you.

Andrea Danyluk, Professor of Computer Science

Warm congratulations to the Class of 2020! Thank you for giving us faculty the opportunity to teach and learn with you. It’s been a true privilege! So sorry that your formal four years in the purple valley were cut short, but know that this is a place where you will always be welcomed – a place that I hope will always feel to you like home. I wish you all the very best at this time of your graduation and beyond!

Cesar Silva, Hagey Family Professor of Mathematics

Congratulations Class of 2020!

Mark LaPine, Night Shift Custodian

Congrats to all for this incredible achievement. I’m happy to have gotten to know many of you. Especially my musically amazing friends from Bernhard.

Matt Carter, Associate Professor of Biology

Congratulations, Class of 2020! Williams was a better place because of your presence, and now the world is a better place because of your engagement.

Amy Gehring ’94, Congrats!

Congratulations to the wonderful Class of 2020! We can’t wait to see you take on the world!

Jay Thoman ’82, College Marshal

Bravissimo. I look forward to seeing you in summer 2021.

Elizabeth Sandoval, Curatorial Assistant, WCMA

Aim for the stars and make the world special for your grandchildren.

April Ruiz, Associate Dean of the College

Congratulations, 2020! As you take your first steps toward the future you’ll build and the communities you’ll impact, know that we’re cheering you on.

Christopher Bolton, Professor of Comparative Literature

Certainly you’ve learned things here, but each of you has also taught us things, changed us for the better. This place won’t be the same without you.

Neil Roberts, Professor of Africana studies, political theory, and the philosophy of religion

Congratulations to the brilliant class of 2020!! We were fortunate to teach you, but it was always true that we learned daily from YOU. YOU are our future and our hope. We salute you!

Charlie Doret, ’02, Asst. Prof. of Physics

Rough Spring Semester / But, still Williams graduates / Welcome new Alumni!

Steve Kuster, Asst. Professor Physical Education/Head Coach Swimming and Diving

Congrats Class of 2020! So proud of you all! Your impact was tremendous & your presence will be missed! EphPride!

Janine Burt, Student Employment Manager

Congratulations, Williams Class of 2020! The world needs you. Give your best selves to it and use your powers for good. Wishing you all the best!

Ashley Chapman, Alumni Fund Development Officer

Dear Class of 2020 – Congratulations on this amazing accomplishment! I’m sorry you were unable to spend your last semester on campus together, but know that your connection to the college will be forever. You should be proud of how hard you worked, especially under challenging and diverse circumstances this spring. It’s been a pleasure to work with many of you on the Class Agent team, and I look forward to our continued work together in the future. Best of luck with your future endeavors, and don’t forget to come back to visit.

Brooks Foehl ’88, Director of Alumni Relations

Congratulations to the Great Class of 2020 and welcome to your alumni family! Thank you for all you’ve done to create community at Williams. We’re here for you always.

Lara Shore-Sheppard, Professor and Chair of Economics

Congratulations on a challenging job well done! We are so proud of you. Now take what you have learned and go make the world a better place!

Laura Zepka, Archives Assistant

Congratulations Class of 2020! You all share this achievement in extraordinary times, use this experience to fuel your future and change the world!

Emily Vasiliauskas, Assistant Professor of English

May each of you, like Chaucer’s Clerk, continue to gladly learn and gladly teach.

Olga Shevchenko, Professor of Sociology

Congratulations to the most extraordinary Class of 2020! The world needs your passion and your talents right now. Bon voyage and please keep in touch!

Jeannie Albrecht, Professor of Computer Science

As Dr. Seuss said, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose!” Congrats grads!

Hank Art, Director CES & Prof. Environmental Studies

I’m limited to 150 characters, but I am sure that there are more characters than that in the Class of 2020. Decades ago, the College held visioning exercises for 2020, and as you commence on 7 June, may your vision remain clear! Congratulations are well-deserved.

Stephen Fix, Scott Professor of English

To the Class of 2020, thanks for the chance to learn with and from you. You have enriched the lives of all of us at Williams. May your years ahead be full of joy.

Christina Simko, Assistant Professor of Sociology

Thinking of you today with gratitude: not only for your contributions to campus, but also for the hope you give us as we look toward the future. Thank you, and congratulations.

Sarah Goh, Professor

Congratulations on all of your achievements! Best wishes for your next set of adventures!

Laurie Heatherington, Professor

You did it! Four years, 32 courses, all kinds of college and community activities and service!! We are enriched by your time here, Class of 2020. Congratulations and many good wishes for all the best as you move forward in your lives. Stay in touch! Fondly,

Jay Pasachoff, Field Memorial Professor of Astronomy

I have had so many wonderful interactions with members of the Class of 2020 over the last four years, and I wish you the very best.

Lisa Armstrong, Dining Services

Congrats to class of 2020! A big Hug to all of you 🙂 Wish you all the best.

Nancy Macauley, Campus Safety

Congratulations to the class of 2020! May all your dreams come true.

Jacqueline M. Hidalgo, Associate Professor of Latina/o/x Studies and Religion and Chair of the Religion Department

You have achieved something rare and remarkable. I wish you a chance to a celebrate, and I am excited for what you will do next. Congratulations!

Scott Lewis, Director of the Williams Outing Club

A few Lessons learned from Mt. Day: Always remember to take a time OUT, put your phones down, converse with friends, make new ones, WOW at the wonders of the natural world all around. Share song, tasty cider donuts, and apple cider in joyous celebration. Find a trail or make a new one that brings you to a view that reminds us all that we are part of something so much bigger than ourselves. Lend a hand to folks going up and down mountains. Adventure on seniors, and know that you always have a home in our Berkshire hills. Thank you for the time you shared with me on your journey at Williams. Send postcards!! My very best, Scott

Amy McKenna, Visual Resources Curator

Although this may seem like the most unluckiest of times to be graduating, perhaps it’s actually the opposite and opportunities to truly change this world are around every corner. I am confident that the Williams Class of 2020 will make its voice heard. Take the time to truly celebrate – congratulations!

Stephanie Steele, Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology

Congrats, ALL! Enjoy the adventurous, formative years ahead, and try to ride the waves of possibility with open arms and an eye towards unexpected opportunities. CHEERS!

Caroline Chiappetti ’11, Los Angeles, CA

Regardless of your feelings about leaving Williamstown, you should be so proud of all of you have done to get to this moment, and excited about all that lays ahead.

Andrea Villamaino, International and Parent Giving Coordinator

Congratulations! Our world needs you now more than ever. We’re proud that you’re a part of the Eph Cow-moooo-nity!

Leigh Martin ’99, Los Altos, CA

I am here for you, I feel for you, I care deeply about you even though we’ve never met. And until we do I’ll be wearing my Williams gear in every airport, every Costco…looking forward to you saying “Hey, did you go to Williams? So did I!”

Abby Wood Meczywor ’10, Senior Writer

From a ’10 to the ’20s, Congratulations! The next ten years will fly by–keep in touch with each other. Your classmates will be some of the most interesting and successful people you know.

Alejandra Moran ’17, Assistant Director of Admission

You’ve accomplished incredible feats despite the world crumbling down right in front of you. Keep on fighting and changing the world for the better.

Ben Benedict, Senior Lecturer

Enjoy the downhill. Get into the rhythm of the uphill. Ready. Set. Go.

Bridget Wiffin, Director, Grants Office

Congratulations Class of 2020! Best wishes to all of you as you begin this next phase of your lives – follow your heart and we know you will accomplish extraordinary things!

Don Kjelleren, Director, “68 Center for Career Exploration

Congratulations Class of 2020! We couldn’t be more proud of how you have navigated the challenges of your senior year and are moving forward personally and professionally. My one bit of advice is to reach out to the Eph network in times of need. That includes the ’68 Center, we’re here for you. May your future be bright, and you offer many internships to Williams students! 🙂

Rob White, Director of Parent & Family Programs

What a brave, talented, committed, and caring bunch you are! Best wishes from all of us at Williams who’ve been changed for the better by you.

Lori Pedersen, Lecturer in Mathematics

Congratulations. Life is like calculus, full of maxima and minima. Remember, not all is bad at a minimum. The second derivative is positive.

Noah Sandstrom, Professor

It has been a joy to teach you, to learn from you, to explore ideas over skyr in the Eco Cafe with you, to cheer Eph teams alongside you. I look forward to celebrating with you when we can! Congratulations!

Kathryn Kent ’88, Professor of English

“’Hope’ is the thing with feathers,” writes Emily Dickinson. May hope lift and sustain you as you turn from the Purple Valley to your next challenge. Bravo!

Kerry Wandrei, Collection Management/Conservation and Physical Processing Specialist

Congratulations & Best of Luck Class of 2020!!

Leigh Sylvia, Director for Mentoring & User Experience

Class of 2020, Congratulations on this amazing achievement! I wish you the best of luck in your next steps. Please know that we in the ‘68 Center are here to continue to support you no matter what your plans may be!

Donald deB. Beaver, Professsor of History of Science, emeritus

I retired on June 30, 2016, so I didn’t have any of you in class, although I met some of you at language table lunches. I want to congratulate you all on having finished up strong, and wish you well in the years to come. Best wishes, Prof. B.

Nate Kornell, good luck

You accomplished something amazing! Congratulations!! And a special message for those of you I know well: You probably already know I think you’re awesome, but just so you know, I think you’re awesome.

Janine Parker, Artist in Residence, Dance

Be safe, be strong, be smart, be joyful, be angry, be kind, be sad, be wild, be true…BE YOURSELF…live and love…Congrats, 2020ers!

JoAnne Moran, Furniture Specialist

Congratulations Class of 2020. “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” -Maya Angelou

Deborah A Brothers, Costume Director and Lecturer in Theatre

Congratulations Class of 2020! What an amazing group of people you are. Use your talents to make a difference for all. This now feels like the true beginning of the 21st century and you are the ones to take us all into this new “brave new world”. There are so many heroic opportunities that you can embrace and advance in these times. We celebrate all of your honors and accomplishments. And we will look forward to summer ’21 when we gather again to celebrate with you. Congratulations, well done, stay safe, stay in touch. And many, many best wishes to you all as you go forward, go bravely.

Nicki Renaud, Classroom Coordinator

Congratulations class of 2020!! Cheers to your next adventure in life.

Tom Garrity, Webster Atwell Class of 1921 Professor of Mathematics

Congratulations. And remember: Functions Describe the World!

Joanna Kurkowicz, Artist in Residence, Faculty

Ben Mygatt: Intelligent, thoughtful, modest, talented. He excels in in everything he touches. Amazing 4 years at Williams: so many great memories, concerts, masterclasses, performances with orchestra. Congratulations! Good luck Ben! Wonderful career in front of you. I will miss you. Jeff Pearson: Passionate, talented, enthusiastic, people’s personality, always smiling. Jeff, I hope the energy you create will never leave you. You have character, talent, skill and drive to have a wonderful career as a musician. I wish you best of luck in your new chapter. Beautiful 4 years at Williams, congratulations! Daniel Yu: Hard working, modest, efficient, talented. I know that violin will always be present and important in your life. Congratulations on a busy and rewarding 4 years at Williams. I wish you all the best for the next chapter. I hope to see you in Boston!

Leslie Senke ’89, Basking Ridge, NJ

…Remember that you are now part of an amazing network of people across the globe who share the Williams experience and who are here to support you however we can. Congratulations!

Jim Reische, Chief Communications Officer

You can’t see us, but we’re this proud of you: Well done! The class of ’20 will always be special!

Anne Jaskot ’08, Professor

Congratulations, Class of 2020! You have faced unprecedented challenges and met them with grace and strength. Bravo!

Amy Lovett, Editor in Chief

Mazel tov on your accomplishment! May your life be punctuated with love, happiness, peace and prosperity.

Melissa Dresselhuys ’90, Hillsborough, CA

Ephs will always be there for you, so stay optimistic, stay healthy, and stay in touch — I can’t wait to celebrate with you at the “0” reunions!

Aseel Abulhab ’15, Davis Center Post-Graduate Inclusion Fellow

To the Class of 2020 – it has been an absolute pleasure to meet you, work with you, support you, and learn from you. You are each an inspiration, and I, like so many, am in awe of your resiliency during this difficult time. While this send-off is not under ideal circumstances, remember that you are prepared to take on whatever life has in store for you. And I can promise you, 5 years out, the Williams community will always be here for you. We will miss you!

Khadijah “Kaddie” Abdul-Mutakallim ’94, Cincinnati, OH

You have accomplished a mighty task, and I look forward to the contributions that each of you will make to this world as fellow Williams alums.

Peter Murphy, Professor of English

Hey! Congratulations! You Passed! Many Happy returns on the Day, which is still Graduation Day, in spite of it all. Keep Reading! PTM

Mea Cook, Asso Prof and Chair of Geosciences

Congratulations Class of 2020! Miss you and can’t wait to see you in 2021.

Theresa LePicier, Admistrative Coordinator in the Dean’s Office

Congratulations Class of 2020. How exciting to graduate from Williams College! Your class is special to me, as I came to the Dean’s office when you were Freshmen. Over the past four years, I’ve gotten to know many of you and will miss you so much. Now it’s your turn to move on & contribute to this big world we live in. Congratulations again and I can’t wait to see you in 2021 to celebrate!

Sarah Philipp ’02, Chicago, IL

Just know that your Williams friendships will last a lifetime and reunions will be particularly special for you. Williams will always be there for you

Neil Kubler, Stanfield Professor of Asian Studies

My heartfelt congratulations to members of the Williams Class of 2020! Come back to campus and visit when you can, or perhaps we can meet up somewhere in East Asia. I wish each of you good health and happiness in the years to come!

Steve Rosenbaum ’69, San Francisco, CA

Keep your memories vivid of the Purple Valley. It certainly is one of the most special places in the world.

Susan Dunn, Massachusetts Professor of Humanities

I’ll miss all my terrific students! Please keep in touch! Stay well and have decades and decades of interesting work, wonderful friendships, and beautiful nature.

Amanda Swiatocha ’02, North Reading, MA

Climb high, climb far, your goal the sky, your aim, the star. We’re proud to welcome you into the Williams alumni community and are here for you for any needs or questions you might have.

Marlene Sandstrom, Dean of the College

Class of 2020 — You are the first class I have seen all the way through from your first year to your senior year. What a phenomenal class you have been! You have made Williams so proud…..we can’t wait to see all of the ways in which you put your mark on your future communities, and use the power of your education to bring justice, innovation, compassion and goodwill to the world. Godspeed.

Tim Hildreth ’91, Milford, NH

…Know that Williams is actually really inside you…What you learned there, what you experienced there, will always be with you. May it give you strength and hope in the months ahead and throughout your life.

Meike Kaan, Associate VP for Communications

What a memorable and challenging year. So much to be proud of and so much yet to come. Can’t wait to see where you’re headed. Congratulations, Class of 2020!

Bob Rawle, Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Congratulations class of 2020! You will be remembered, and missed!

Dave Ackerson, WOC Asst. Director

Congrats all! It was great to meet many of you at the WOC Equipment Rm and the Climbing Wall. Special thanks to all the seniors who worked in those 2 places. You will be missed.

Anik Cepeda, Women’s Tennis Coach

When I was a graduating senior in HS my older brother wrote me a note that said: “Do what you love to do and be great at what you love to do. This will take you where you want to go. Be brave, have fun, ciao!” It’s a keeper and comes in handy when I feel lost. Good luck!

Sean McGrath, Dir. of the Parents Fund and Athletics Giving

Congratulations on your journey and achieving this milestone. Give thanks to those in your cow-mooo-nity who inspired and supported you along the way.

Peter K. Frost x-1958, Frederick L. Schuman Professor of International Studies Emeritus

Thanks for adapting to tough times!

Dawn Jamros, Administrative Assistant in Biology

To Breelyn Karno: I’m so glad I got to meet you and get to know you over the past few years. I think you have a bright future ahead of you and I wish you the very best. Don’t give up, keep going after what you want. You better stop and visit if you come back to campus!! To Annabelle Feist: I’ll miss you sitting on my office floor chatting about anything and everything, especially your “insider info” about college soccer!! Thank you for doing my recording for me as well. Best of luck to you in whatever you choose in the future. Come and say Hi if you’re ever back on campus.

Nicolas Howe, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies

Rejoice.

Pat Manning, Women’s Basketball Coach

Congratulations to the Class of 2020! Special shout out to Katie Brule, Emily Chang and Emily Peckham!! I’ll always remember your senior season as one of our best! Thanks for a great 4 years! You will be missed!! Celebrate & be proud of all you accomplished!

Anthony Pernell-McGee, Associate Director/Director @ the ’68 Center

I wish you all the best! Take one day at a time as you map your next journey! Love & Peace!

Kris Herman, Softball Coach/Assistant AD

Congrats! Go be your best self today. Then, do it again tomorrow. #greatdaytobeanEph

Katie Hart, Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Congrats! Now that you’ve graduated, we can let you in on the BIG secret: you are your own best teacher (shh don’t tell current students or we’ll be out of a job). Never stop learning!

Ric Grefé, Design Thinker in Residence

Carpe Diem! Your curiosity, imagination, and creativity empower you to reimagine America and your Williams education provides the strength of context to get it right.

Christine Parker, Major Gifts Coordinator

Class of 2020, Congratulations! Through this long and winding road, you were resilient and courageous. Your character has proven that you are ready for anything life throws your way. A personal note to Darien Manning, one of my student workers: I am so proud of how you powered through such a tough time. The world is your oyster!!

Tomas Adalsteinsson, Head Coach of Women’s Golf

Congratulations Class of 2020! I had the pleasure of entering the Williams community with you all, and I thank you for four incredible years! I am sorry that your senior year had to end this way, but you can be immensely proud of what you have accomplished, and you can be excited for the opportunities ahead. Specially, I want to thank Cindy and Renee for representing Williams Women’s Golf in such a great way. Come back to see us! Go Ephs!

Anonymous, Administrative Coordinator

I have not worked with and for a better class of seniors than the Class of 2020! You all are bright and shining stars and will travel far in your lifetimes. Can not wait to hear about your journeys and do not let Covid-19 bring you down. Use this experience to lift you up and know getting through this difficult time has made you stronger and now you can get through anything! Be well, stay safe and just keep swimming!

Kate Heekin, Associate Director of Admission

It has been an honor to watch you “grow up” at Williams. This spring has not been the same without you here, but we wish you all the best as you moooove on! And a special shoutout to the Tyng Scholars–stay in touch!

Christopher Swift, Senior Designer

Congratulations class of 2020! Go change the world for the better.

Karen Shepard ’87, Senior Lecturer in English

Congratulations, Class of 2020!

Sam McCauley, Professor

Congratulations, seniors! Good look on your future endeavors.

Jamie Norton, Assistant Coach, XC/TF

Congrats to all the Williams XC/TF Graduates!! We will miss you.

Jonathan Miller, Director of Libraries

Congratulations! It doesn’t feel like it now, but no on-campus celebration will fade. Your life will be far richer than this one weekend in June. Live it to the full.

Frank Morgan, Atwell Professor of Mathematics, Emeritus

Whether or not you learned some real analysis, or played some bridge, or just met me in the dining hall, I wish you all much good in the years ahead.

Abigail Wattley ’05, Managing Director, Investment Office

Congratulations class of 2020! I am so proud to call you fellow Eph alums! I also have no doubt that you will all go on to make a difference in the world and will do it with the grace and courage that you all have demonstrated during this difficult time.

Shaun Garvey, Project Manager

It was sad to see you depart campus early, but it is joyful to see you now officially move on as graduates. It was a pleasure working for you. Best of luck to all Williams ‘20’s.

Shannon O’Brien, Assistant Editor & Social Media Strategist

What a story you have about your senior year at Williams! Wishing you so much light and joy as you head into your next adventures!

Steven Miller, Professor of Mathematics

Congrats all. Fortunate to have known many of you from classes to Lego to Neighborhood events to PBK …. All the best, looking forward to celebrating in ’21!

Lee Park, Professor (Chemistry)

Congratulations to you all – you’ve worked so hard and accomplished so much! We’re sorry we can’t celebrate you in person! Best of luck!

Magnús Bernhardsson, Brown Professor of History

Now you can start glowing without Glow!

Eliza Congdon, Assistant Professor of Psychology

The world needs your courage and brilliance now more than ever. Go forth with kindness and with your heads held high! Congrats, Class of ’20!!!

Sarah Jacobson, Associate Professor of Economics

Congratulations: you have persevered and accomplished so much! I’m grateful to have gotten to know many of you. I wish you all much joy. Be well!

Steph Gonzalez, Associate Director for Diversity Recruitment

Congratulations, Class of 2020! May you continue to climb high, climb far. I’ve learned so much from all of you and you’ll hold always a special place in my heart as my first class at Williams.

Colin Adams, Thomas T. Read Professor fo Mathematics

Congrats! Advice from my dog Rusty: “Follow your instincts!” I’ll look forward to seeing you and hearing all you have done at your reunion in five years.

Matt Davis, Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach

Congrats to the Williams Class of 2020, and a special shout out to Teo, Demian, Liam, Chris, Bobby and Andrew. Best wishes in your next chapter!

Christi Kelsey, Head Women’s Volleyball Coach

Thank you for a great four years! Wishing the entire class of 2020 the very best for a bright future ahead!

Jordan Phillips, Congrats from dining!

Congratulations to the class of 2020! We will miss giving you some great senior week events this year, but hope to see you in 2021. Stay safe!

Cheryl Shanks, Professor

Get political!

Roxana Curiel, Mellons Postdoc

Para mis querides estudiantes que encontraron siempre la forma de convertir el salón de clases en un espacio de creatividad y diálogo: #HazLaRevolución ¡FELICIDADES!

Julie Cassiday, Willcox B. and Harriet M. Adsit Professor of Russian

Поздравляю Вас! Congratulations to the brave class of 2020 for what you’ve already achieved and what you’ll go on to achieve in life after college.

Michelle Apotsos, Professor, Art Department

To a special class that has not only faced enormous challenges, but has done so with bravery, grace, and optimism! Best wishes to a truly amazing group of students!

Criss Laidlaw, Director of AIS, OIT

Here’s to you, Class of ’20! Go forth and do your best!