Samson Named Student Commencement Speaker

Author: Emily Thaler

Catherine Samson '02.5 was chosen by a panel of students and faculty as the student speaker for this spring's graduation. She was one of several students to compose and deliver a speech before the selection panel.

Competition for the role of student speaker was tight. Dean of Student Affairs Ann Hanson said of the decision, "All of the students who submitted ... had great speeches so it made the selection process both easier and more difficult. It was easier because any of the speeches would have been great. It was more difficult because [they] were all so good." Samson's, continued Hanson, "seemed to have the broadest appeal. The students on the selection committee really appreciated the thoughts she shared."

Samson also has prior experience delivering speeches. After suffering a spinal cord injury in a sledding accident during the winter of her sophomore year, the former lacrosse goalie began speaking out about her experiences with a disability.

"I've been doing a lot of public speaking recently, both here [at Middlebury] and in my hometown outside Philadelphia," Samson said. "I really enjoy doing it."

Samson has had experience speaking to an older college audience in addition to addressing elementary and middle school students. Some of the experiences she mentions in her speeches include carrying the Olympic torch through her hometown of Villanova, Pa., before the 2002 Winter Games.

Speaking at the Class of 2002 graduation has special meaning for Samson, as it is a way for her to acknowledge the members of the Middlebury College community who have helped her return after her accident.

Her friends strongly encouraged her to write the speech, which focuses on the benefit of a liberal arts education during difficult times.

"I feel very privileged to speak at commencement this year because I have such a strong connection to my class and the Middlebury community," she said. "There are so many strong feelings and connections one has to this place. I hope I am able to evoke a sense of pride and loyalty to Middlebury but also make it fun".

Selecting Samson as graduation speaker was not affected in any way by the senior class gift of an Americans with Disabilities Act fund. Samson said that the gift was a good idea and that her class seemed to have fostered a better awareness of the needs of those with disabilities. She also remarked that she felt better about her graduation speech after learning about the senior class' gift choice.