Media contact: Noelle Lemoine, executive assistant; tele: 413-597-4277; email: [email protected]
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass., June 2, 2019—Williams College President Maud S. Mandel today conferred Bachelor of Arts degrees to local graduates at the college’s 230th Commencement. Mary-Claire King, an award-winning geneticist at the University of Washington who first discovered the breast and ovarian cancer gene, was the principal speaker.
Adams, Mass.
Jonathan R. Hall, son of Mrs. Allison Hall and Mr. Brian Hall of Rockville Centre, N.Y., majored in chemistry and mathematics. Hall was the president of the Williams Outing Club and a Junior Advisor. He graduated with honors in chemistry, was a Fulbright Scholar, a Class of 1960s Scholar in Chemistry, Roche Fellowship recipient, Class of 1945 World Fellowship recipient, and a member of Sigma Xi.
Dalton, Mass.
Jeffrey A. Pullano, son of Mark and Michelle Pullano, majored in chemistry. Pullano was a member of the Williams College Jazz Ensemble and the Williams Oral Health Society. He was a student assistant to the athletic trainer, a chemistry lab teaching assistant (TA), grading TA, peer tutor, and a tutor at the Math and Science Resource Center.
Pittsfield, Mass.
Anna Black, daughter of Valerie Anderson and David Black, majored in physics and statistics. Black was a board member of the Green Revolving Fund. She was a TA for the departments of computer science, economics, statistics, and the Center for Environmental Studies. She graduated with honors in physics and was elected to Sigma Xi and the national statistics honor society Mu Sigma Rho.
Anna Leonard, daughter of Sandra Keen and Richard Leonard, majored in psychology. Leonard participated on the Neighborhood Leadership Team and was a research assistant in the psychology department. She received the Patricia Goldman-Rakic Prize in Neuroscience, graduated cum laude with honors in physics, and was elected to Sigma Xi.
Merudjina Normil, daughter of Ms. Roselie Honlah, majored in comparative literature. Normil was a member of Kusika, Ritmo Latino, Black Student Union, Students of Caribbean Ancestry, and Cap and Bells. She is also a recipient of the Ernest Brown Africana Arts Prize and the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship.
Williamstown, Mass.
Jake B. Foehl, son of Mr. and Mrs. Foehl, majored in statistics and was a member of the men’s golf team.
Rachel Burr Gerrard, daughter of Jenny and Steve Gerrard, majored in psychology. Gerrard graduated magna cum laude, was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and made dean’s list. She participated in the Williamstown Elementary School Big Sibling Program and was a host for Williams Trivia Night.
Eric Daniel Hirsch, son of Alan and Marjorie Hirsch, majored in history. Hirsch was on the men’s soccer team and worked for the Office of Sports Information.
Matthew John Hogan, son of Sue and John Hogan, majored in economics and was on the men’s lacrosse team.
Nyein Chan T. Soe, son of Thet and Marlar Soe, majored in physics. Soe was captain of club tennis and made dean’s list.
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Founded in 1793, Williams College is the second-oldest institution of higher learning in Massachusetts. The college’s 2,000 students are taught by a faculty noted for the quality of their teaching and research, and the achievement of academic goals includes active participation of students with faculty in their research. Students’ educational experience is enriched by the residential campus environment in Williamstown, Mass., which provides a host of opportunities for interaction with one another and with faculty beyond the classroom. Admission decisions on U.S. applicants are made regardless of a student’s financial ability, and the college provides grants and other assistance to meet the demonstrated needs of all who are admitted.
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Published May 31, 2019