Connecticut College honors 13 new Winthrop Scholars

Alongside friends, family and members of Connecticut College’s academic community, 13 seniors gathered in Blaustein Humanities Center April 9 to join an esteemed group of Camels—the Winthrop Scholars—in a tradition that dates back nearly a century to 1928.

The designation of Winthrop Scholar is the highest academic honor bestowed by the College. Reserved for students who demonstrate exceptional scholarship, the honor is named for John Winthrop the Younger, who founded the city of New London and served as governor of Connecticut. 

Winthrop Scholars are also the first members of their class selected for membership in Phi Beta Kappa, the national honor society of undergraduate higher education.

This year’s scholars represent a diverse array of academic interests. As Professor of Philosophy and Phi Beta Kappa Delta of Connecticut Chapter President Lawrence Vogel declared, “Each student represents a shining success in the College’s mission of promoting academic and scholarly excellence.”

In addition to Vogel, those on-hand to honor the newest Winthrop Scholars included Associate Dean of the College Ann Livingston Schenk and the other Phi Beta Kappa Delta of Connecticut Chapter Officers, Professors Joseph Alchermes, Rae Gaubinger, Christopher Hammond and Daniel Maser.

After a lesson on the history of the Winthrop Scholar designation from Gaubinger and the distribution of the certificates to the honorees, Schenk addressed the audience. After praising the 13 seniors for “sustained excellence over four years,” she urged them lean into tough questions as they move beyond Connecticut College’s campus.

“Facts are facts. And facts have nuances. Contradictions coexist. You know so many answers, but you don’t know everything. And that’s OK,” she said. “Do not look for answers now. At the present, you need to live the question.”

Vogel, who will retire at the end of the academic year, gave the keynote address, “Scholarship, Serendipity and Friendship.” He told the students how his life had evolved and changed from his time as an undergrad to this moment, 35 years into his career as a Connecticut College professor.

“You’ve succeeded in college because you took advantage of opportunities that didn't pass you by. But don't be complacent now. Get outside your comfort zone. Seek out friends who make you a better person,” he urged the scholars.

“Just as you owe a debt of gratitude to your teachers, family and friends, so we teachers would be nowhere without our most serious students. So on behalf of all your professors, let me say thanks for what you have given us.”