Randolph hosts Intercultural Baccalaureate as part of Commencement activities

A new Randolph College tradition took place this year during 2025 Commencement activities: an Intercultural Baccalaureate.

“It is a time for our graduates to reflect on their college careers and acknowledge faculty, staff, and late loved ones who were integral to their college experience,” said Charles E. Gibson III, Randolph’s chief engagement and belonging officer. 

“It is also a time for the college to celebrate the various aspects of self that informed how the graduates contributed to life at the College,” he added.

Faculty and staff presented stoles to students honoring various aspects of self, including nationality, sexual and gender diversity, and disability status, as well as first-generation and veteran students. 

Three individuals—a faculty member, a staff member, and a peer— were also recognized with awards acknowledging the support they provided to the graduating class. 

Cali Martin ’25 received the Sodalis Award, and Scott Cooper, director of recruitment, was given the Auxilium Award. The awards recognize a peer and staff member elected most supportive by graduates. 

Nafi Thiam ’25 was also recognized for her service as one of the Intercultural Center’s inaugural Genia Livings Welburn ’95 Fellows for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Karin Warren, Randolph’s Herzog Family Chair of Environmental Studies and Sciences, was named most supportive faculty member by graduates and gave the Carla Wilson Heath Memorial Lecture. Named for the late faculty member to honor her appreciation for cultural differences, the award comes with an honorarium. 

In her speech, Warren spoke about Heath, offered advice to graduates, and shared lessons from her Jewish faith. 

Charles E. Gibson III presents an award to Nafi Thiam ’25 for her work as one of the inaugural Genia Livings Welburn ’95 Fellows.

The service also included an “in memoriam” section, during which students honored late loved ones.