Warren Wilson College celebrated the Class of 2023 at its commencement on Saturday, May 13. More than 120 undergraduate students received their degrees.

As they walked across the stage, the students received white pine tree saplings. A Warren Wilson tradition, the sapling represents the part of Warren Wilson that each graduate will take with them. Just as each graduate leaves the college to go, lay down roots, and grow, the graduate is encouraged to plant the tree away from campus to represent their mark as a Warren Wilson graduate in the greater world.

The commencement ceremony included class remarks from student speaker Paddington Mbumbgwa and a keynote address by commencement speaker Mariah Parker, a 2013 graduate of Warren Wilson College.

Graduating music major Walker Russell performed "In My Life” by The Beatles, with Instructors of Music Jason DeCristofaro and Natalya Weinstein Miller, and with Chair of the Music Department Kevin Kehrberg.

An awards ceremony took place on Friday, May 12. It included recognition of Warren Wilson’s top seniors, faculty and staff honors and awards.

Paddington Mbumbgwa received the Alton F. Pfaff Award, the college’s highest honor given to a graduating senior. Dailah Mial received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, which is presented each year in recognition of a graduating senior’s personal character, integrity, and service to others and their communities.

Chair of the Education Department Annie Jonas and Manager of Biology and Environmental Studies Departments Jill Arnold received teaching excellence awards.

See more photos of Commencement here. Additional photos to be posted soon.