middbrief Midd elects student awards speakers

Author: Jaime Fuller

Robert Levine '08 and Katy Smith Abbott, associate dean of the College and visiting assistant professor of Art History, won the run-off elections to determine this year's Senior Awards ceremony speakers who will address the Class of 2008 on May 24 during Commencement Week.

The student candidates on the ballot included Levine, Ezra Axelrod '08 and Ellen Grafton '08, while the faculty candidates were Abbott, Charles A. Dana Professor of Political Science Murray Dry and D.E. Axinn Professor of English and Creative Writing Jay Parini.

Unlike the Student Government Association (SGA) elections, the candidates for this position were not required to engage in any rigorous campaigning, which was lucky for Abbott, who was on a research trip last week. She stated in an e-mail that she was "very honored to have been considered for this role."

Even though only Levine and Abbott will be able to share their knowledge with the Class of 2008, the remaining candidates also have lessons and experiences they wish to share with their peers and former students.

"I would simply urge whoever gives this talk to ask students to go into their life beyond Middlebury as citizens of the world," wrote Parini in an e-mail, "ready to look beyond the narrow confines of their own circumstances, and to understand that a great deal needs to be done to help others who are less fortunate."

Grafton would share lessons she has learned that do not have to do with the academic side of college life.

"Keep the people you love close, because they're the ones that will get you through the hard stuff," wrote Grafton in an e-mail. "Appreciate the moment you're in, because once it's gone, it's gone for good. And don't go bathing suit sledding in front of Mead Chapel. It's a lot colder than it looks."

These elections signal the approach of Commencement Week, which for seniors represents just a tinge of melancholy, as they must forge their own path in the real world.

"Leaving Middlebury is definitely a bittersweet feeling - it's been a great four years and I will miss everything Midd has to offer," wrote Levine in an e-mail. "That being said, I'm excited to be off on the next stage of the adventure."