Colby-Sawyer College will celebrate its 185th Commencement on Saturday, May 6. The ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. on the quad of the New London campus.

This year’s Commencement ceremony will celebrate 200 graduating students in the Class of 2023 and will also recognize several members of the college and greater community for academic excellence, outstanding contributions to society and service to the college and its students.

Eve Burton, executive vice president and chief legal officer at Hearst and president of the Helen Gurley Brown Foundation, will be recognized with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, which honors an individual of humanitarian character and superior intellect whose life and work have brought about positive, far-reaching consequences for individuals and organizations.

Retiring Academic Vice President and Dean of Faculty Laura Sykes ’98 will be awarded the Susan Colgate Cleveland Medal for Distinguished Service. The college’s highest honor, this medal is presented to individuals who exemplify the college’s first leader Susan Colgate Cleveland’s attributes, ensuring that her work, dedication and influence will be remembered by future generations.

School of Business & Social Sciences Professor Randy Hanson will receive the Jack Jensen Award for Excellence in Teaching, the college’s highest teaching award. Presented annually to a faculty member who has made a distinct, positive difference in the college’s academic climate, the award honors the late Professor Jack Jensen, who, through his dedication to teaching, inspired faculty and students alike. In accordance with Colby-Sawyer tradition, as winner of the Jensen Award, Professor Hanson will deliver the Commencement address at this year’s ceremony.

Isabelle Silva ’23 of Danvers, Massachusetts, will receive the Colby-Sawyer Award, which is given to the senior who, in the opinion of the faculty, best exemplifies the ideals of the college in personal dignity, intellectual growth, contribution to campus life and constructive influence on other students.

Caleigh Dirks ’23 of Danvers, Massachusetts, will receive the Commencement Speaker Medal and will give the student address at the ceremony.

To learn more about the award winners, visit colby-sawyer.edu/commencement/awards.