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When you graduate, is it absolutely necessary to know your purpose? 

For Jim Obergefell, the answer is no. Finding one’s purpose can sometimes take time and happen by accident. 

The marriage equality activist, whose name is upon the landmark 2015 Supreme Court decision that recognizes same-sex marriage, delivered a moving address about his activist origins to graduating seniors at �鶹ԭ��’s 60th Commencement celebration held in the spring. 

“Keep in mind, your degree does not define you. Your attitude, values, and strength of character are what define you. Don’t force your life to fit your degree. Use your degree and your experiences here at �鶹ԭ�� and beyond as the basis to build the life you want,” said Obergefell, whose effort to have his marriage recognized in Ohio to longtime partner John Arthur resulted in the case that went before the U.S. Supreme Court.  

“There’s no single way to be an activist,” he told the graduates. “But every activist cares about something deeply enough to act.”

 Obergefell received a standing ovation from the 265 members of the Class of 2024. 

President Strom C. Thacker, who presided over his first graduation ceremony at the College, congratulated the students for their perseverance in the face of many obstacles in their undergraduate years, including beginning their time at �鶹ԭ�� as online students during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“It is difficult enough adjusting to the challenges of life as a first-year college student,” he said. “You had to adapt and find ways to connect with each other, to create a sense of community, despite many obstacles that were meant to keep us apart in the name of health and safety. Your determination and your success are an inspiration to us all.” 

Other remarks were delivered by Senior Class Speakers Neha Basu ’24 and Diego Borgsdorf ’24, who both called on the College administration to show more support of the Palestinian cause in the Gaza conflict. Sanya Dhama ’24, Lilly Visaya ’24, and Alex Maynard ’24 announced that a class gift of $1,500 would be given to the Reach Education Fund, a nonprofit organization that helps Palestinian students in their academic pursuits. Many graduates also waved small Palestinian flags during the ceremony.

Like Obergefell, other speakers sounded a similar note of optimism in their remarks to the audience.  

Mark Cunningham ’89 P’25, president of the �鶹ԭ�� Alumni Board, quoted novelist Cormac McCarthy—“Between the dream and the thing, the world lies and waits”—in his encouragement of the graduates. 

Though McCarthy’s quote suggests great uncertainty, Cunningham said that it is also “a statement of great hope and promise because there’s a recognition that both the dream and the thing are possible. Graduates, whatever your dream may be, wherever the world may take you, know this: The �鶹ԭ�� community stands with you. …  I know your voice, your activism, and your change will make the world a better place.”  

Watch the 60th Annual Commencement and view a gallery of photos