College President James Wright recognized graduating students who have carried out senior projects at the annual Academic Gala yesterday evening.
More than 200 senior thesis authors, final project participants and senior fellows were honored at the hour-long dinner event, held in Collis Commonground. Four of the undergraduates who had been recognized recounted their work over the past terms before a brief reception.
Wright told a crowd of mostly '03s that the distinguished students "are the reason for and the sources of the tremendous strength this college has."
Honors graduates should be especially proud of themselves, according to Wright.
"One's own talent is a gift that must never be taken for granted," Wright said.
At the event, the Office of the President released a pamphlet containing paragraph-long descriptions of most of this year's senior projects. Wright told gala attendees that the work of the acknowledged seniors, as documented in the pamphlet, should motivate the scholarship of younger students.
"The booklet presents a challenge and an invitation," Wright said.
Wright also extolled the College's professors, praising "the support they offer to students and the care and talent they bring to teaching." He singled out Dean of the College James Larimore and Dean of the Faculty Michael Gazzaniga for individual acclaim.
After Wright's remarks, Pooja Sinha '03, Erik J. Carlson '03, Joyce L. Fu '03 and David I. Farber '03 spoke about their projects.
Although he was not present, Gazzaniga also lauded the accomplishments of honors students in a letter. Gazzaniga told graduates that they "have brought distinction to [themselves], intellectual strength and vigor to the College and a sense of pride and fulfillment to professors."
The gala also featured the visual work of 20 senior studio art majors. Three members of the Barbary Coast Jazz Ensemble performed during the reception.