Under the Oaks 2022

Newcomb Institute held its annual Under the Oaks ceremony on Friday, May 20, in Dixon Hall.

The ceremony honored Newcomb Scholars, Newcomb Institute award and grant recipients, outstanding faculty, alumnae association award recipients and members of the Class of 1970, 1971 and 1972. Members of the Class of 1972 received a second diploma from the institute, commemorating their 50-year reunion.

Prior to the presentation of awards, Executive Director of Newcomb Institute Sally Kenney, addressed the Class of 2022.

“Each generation is defined by the issues it chooses to address, as well as how it responds to issues not of its choosing,” Kenney said.

She said that she has learned to never underestimate the power of new generations asking uncomfortable questions.

“Graduates, whether it’s sexual violence, unequal pay or racial injustice, don't accept the way things are, keep pressing for how things should be.”

She continued with a call to action by stating, “Graduates, take your seat at the table. Insert yourself at the center of power, not only in the girls’ auxiliary on the margins. Once there, be bold and demand what’s right in speaking up for equality. Use your voice on the issues you care about.”

Kenney encouraged the graduates to develop an instinct for activism.

“As you do, think of all the Newcomb graduate who came before you as the wind at your back, holding you up, whatever the challenge.”

To read more about the Under the Oaks Ceremony, click here.