Graduation 2021

Pfaff Cup Recipient: Michelle Padrón 

Michelle Padrón received the 2021 Alton F. Pfaff Cup, Warren Wilson College’s highest honor given to a graduating senior. Read more

Invitations & Diploma Frames

Warren Wilson College is proud to partner with Herff Jones on commencement invitations and diploma frames. This service is provided by Herff Jones; all communications may be directed to our campus representative: Deborah S. Forrest, LLC (704) 962-1483,  deborah.forrest@mac.com.

General Information

For any other information about commencement, please contact Academic Affairs at academic@warren-wilson.edu.

Commencement Speaker: Andrew Revkin

Andrew Revkin, renowned science and environmental journalist, gave the keynote address at Commencement 2021. Revkin is one of America’s most honored journalists focused on environmental and human sustainability.

Speaking for the Class

Each year, we invite academically outstanding seniors to compose a “Message to the Graduating Class,” and, based on this message, seniors choose their senior speaker, who delivers a speech that aims to capture the diverse accomplishments of these graduates and the particular moment of their commencement. Nadir Karim, below, spoke for the Class of 2010.

Senior speaker Nadir Karim at 2010 commencement
Commencement Eastern Hemlock Sapling

Commencement Traditions - Hemlock Seedling

The tree sapling received with each degree represents a new beginning. Just as each graduate leaves the College to go, lay down roots, and grow, the graduate is encouraged to plant this tree away from campus to represent their mark as a Warren Wilson graduate in the greater world.

Doug Orr at 2006 Commencement

Commencement Traditions - College Tartan

Warren Wilson’s tartan was designed by Sharon Fullerton Grist ’77 to honor the College’s centennial. Blue and gold are the school’s colors. The three bands of maroon represent academics, work, and community engagement; their color signifying the College’s Presbyterian heritage. Gray represents the rock upon which the campus was built and green reflects the landscape. The College’s tartan is registered officially with the Scottish Registry of Tartans.

Dean Paula Garret and President Sandy Pfeiffer at 2011 Commencement

Commencement Traditions - College Mace

The mace represents the authority of the college President and is carried at the head of academic processions by the Chief Marshall, typically the Dean of the College. The Warren Wilson mace was commissioned in 1978 by college President Reuben Holden and created by Swannanoa artist Dirck Cruser. Carved of walnut, the mace bears the symbols of the College: the mountains, the valley, the river, the owl, and the spade. The distinctive curves and carving also form two W’s for “Warren Wilson.”