Cranbrook.edu

Laurel Wamsley '02 speaks to the Class of 2024 at Baccalaureate

5/22/2024

Abeer Sheikh '24

On May 19th, alumna Laurel Wamsley ’02 returned to Cranbrook to speak at Baccalaureate, the farewell to the senior class.

During her time at Cranbrook, Wamsley was known as a leader. Whether in the Kingswood dorms, ceramics studio, Crane Clarion basement, or on the track, she ensured she was involved with the Cranbrook community. Currently, she is a correspondent at the National Public Radio (NPR).

Wamsley experienced excitement and nervousness about her return to Cranbrook, a place that holds many memories for her and helped shape her into who she is today.

“It was a real honor to be asked to return and give a speech,” Wamsley said. “But it turns out now I had to write a whole speech. Life was so busy I worried the speech wouldn’t be good.”

Wamsley previously gave the commencement speech for her graduating class. She claims that being offered the Baccalaureate speech brought back memories of that day..

Wamsley offered three ideas to the class of 2024 based on her experiences: it’s okay to be practical, think about the big problem that interests you most, and live in a city at some point in your young adulthood, even for a little while.

Wamsley leaves a final message for the seniors and the Cranbrook community.

“I urge you to savor it all,” Wamsley stated in her speech. “Each of you has been a valuable, irreplaceable part of this community--citizens who made this little city of Cranbrook so vibrant.”

-Senior May Project Intern Abeer Sheikh '24

View more photos from the event here: https://ckaaphotogallery.smugmug.com/
View the event recording at https://bit.ly/ckBacca24

Click HERE to visit the reunion page

Back

- Laurel Wamsley '02 with students at the reception
- Wamsley speaking at Christ Church Cranbrook
- Surrounded by students following Baccalaureate
- Connecting with Crane Clarion advisor David Watson
- Mr. Miller carries the Mace