In the words of Leslie Morse Nelson, Chair of the College’s Board of Trustees, who took the Convocation stage for the first time after her appointment last fall, graduates are uniquely prepared because of TC’s “drive to address the whole of human development.” Or as a wonderful Ethiopian saying puts it: ‘When spiders unite, they can tie down a lion.’ Graduates, because of who you are and what TC has given you, you are well-equipped to lead us in tying down the lions of our era.”

“If we overcome our differences, we can launch a new chapter in the story of our society. “Working together to courageously envision and pursue a better future is a lesson that has never been more relevant,” President Thomas Bailey told graduates during his address. Nearly 100 years later, future leaders across education, health and psychology gathered on the precipice of their next assignment: In recognition of years of hard work and the successful completion of their degrees, Teachers College celebrated the Class of 2023 on May 17 and 18 in ceremonies at Washington Heights’ United Palace Theater.Ĭolumbia blue regalia, celebrating families, and overjoyed grads decorated the theater - a gilded gem of upper Manhattan that has convened people from all walks of life since the 1930s, often during the most difficult periods of history.

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