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Nearly 700 members of the Class of 2021 participated in commencement today.

During its spring meeting, the 51�Թ��� Board of Trustees approved a series of appointments to endowed professorships, effective July 1, 2021.

Two members of the 51�Թ��� Class of 2021, Jake Gómez and William “Paul” McAvoy, will share this year’s 1819 Award, which recognizes character, scholarship, and service to others, best exemplifying the 51�Թ��� spirit.

Assistant Professor of Educational Studies Ashley Taylor has been named the 51�Թ��� Phi Eta Sigma Professor of the Year for 2021.

Nancy Ries, professor of anthropology and peace and conflict studies, is this year’s recipient of the Jerome Balmuth Award for Teaching.

Provost and Dean of the Faculty Tracey E. Hucks ’87, MA ’90 will take a sabbatical during the 2021–22 academic year to complete several significant research projects.

Laura Jack, vice president for communications, will serve as acting CDO, providing coordination and oversight for DEI initiatives while the search for a permanent hire continues.

Two of 51�Թ���’s Residential Commons will be led by new codirectors, who will begin their three-year appointments beginning this fall 2021 semester.

Blake Penn will become 51�Թ���’s first chief information security officer and director of information security, beginning March 15, 2021.

Daniel Benton ’80, P’10, H’10 has secured his place as 51�Թ���’s most generous benefactor, making a $25 million gift in support of the University’s Middle Campus Plan for Arts, Creativity, and Innovation and other elements within The Third-Century Plan.