Bard College Berlin News
A Crowning Achievement: Celebrating the Class of 2024 at the BCB Gong Ceremony
Prof. Dr. Catherine Toal, Dean of the college, began the ceremony by recalling a quote by the acclaimed French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu. “Bourdieu said that degrees are markers of academic nobility,” she expressed. “So it is in that spirit that today we will crown our graduates with crowns of their own, to mark the end of their academic journey here at BCB and their distinction of academic nobility.” One by one, the graduates were called up to receive a crown, read their thesis title to the attendees, and bang the gong to celebrate the completion of this academic feat.
As each graduate stepped forward, the packed room erupted in applause, acknowledging not only their academic achievement but also their unique contribution to the intellectual community of Bard College Berlin. These rituals, where everyone comes together to acknowledge each other's achievements and reflect on their shared journey, foster a deep sense of belonging on campus.
The graduates have all submitted their theses—individual research projects undertaken throughout the past year—a step that marks the culmination of four years of rigorous study, exploration, and intellectual growth. Next, they will defend their work in individual presentations attended by their advisor, second reader, and interested friends or faculty members. The schedule of BA Thesis Presentations can be found here.
Post Date: 04-23-2024