Graduation 2022
Warren Wilson College celebrated the Class of 2022 at its commencement on Saturday, May 7. More than 150 undergraduate students received their degrees.
See photos of 2022 Commencement here.
Commencement Traditions - White Pine 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.
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.
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 Provost. 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.”