Alexa Luborsky of Toronto Graduates from Pomfret School as Diplomas and Awards are Presented at 120th Commencement; 2013 Nobel Laureate Speaks

2014 Jun 13

With faculty, students, family and friends looking on, the 105 members of the class of 2014 were honored on Sunday, May 25, at Pomfret School's 120th Commencement. Addressing the students was Dr. James Rothman '67, Yale University professor, Pomfret Trustee, and recipient, in December 2013, of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Dr. Rothman, who last fall referred to the importance of following what is "deeply in your heart," spoke to the students on May 25 about "Patience and Urgency."

Alexa Luborsky of Toronto was among the 105 graduates who received a diploma from Head of School Tim Richards (P '15) and Board President Charles Wilmerding (P '11, '14) and an enthusiastic congratulatory handshake from the Nobel laureate. Alexis received numerous awards: She was class Salutorian, received the English Departent Prize, the History Department Prize; and the C. Russell Stringer Award, given to the top student in the World Languages Department. She was also one of thirteen who earned membership in the Cum Laude Society, a national fellowship of scholars which recognizes "excellence in academic work," and received a Faculty Award, which is given to a senior who, in the opinion of the faculty, deserves special recognition.

Dr. Rothman gave the 105 graduates three career constellations by which to navigate their post-Pomfret lives: "Differentiate"; "Focus on long-term value"; and "Develop your leadership and teamwork skills." Because, he explained, "you are graduating at a time of profound change and ferment the likes of which we have not seen for half a century." With the scientist's eye, he presented what he saw as the fertile dynamics of patience and urgency. "Patience: Have a long-term goal. Stick with it. Set achievable short-term goals but never lose the big picture," he said. To make it work, "Urgency: Pursue [that] long-term goal as if every day matters--because it does."