Callie Crossley

Callie Crossley, a television and radio broadcast journalist in the Boston area, delivered the 2024 commencement address at Franklin College on Saturday, May 18, 2024, and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

The college conferred 194 undergraduate degrees and 28 graduate degrees.

The ceremony was held in Spurlock Center Gymnasium and was live streamed on the college’s website.

Franklin College President Kerry N. Prather offered remarks to the Class of 2024. “From this day forward, you will represent the 190-year legacy of Franklin College. You have earned that distinction. What you owe to this institution in return is a commitment to share your talents with the world—to carry forth the ideals and values you learned or refined here. We expect you to continue learning; to think broadly and deeply; to speak knowledgeably, honestly and humbly; to act decisively but thoughtfully; and to lead confidently, ethically and fairly.

“In so doing, you will sustain the proud tradition of Franklin College graduates who have made this world a better place. You will have truly earned the title, Franklin College graduate. And I know you will carry from here a special love for your alma mater that will grow stronger with each passing year. You are Grizzlies forever.” 

Crossley’s keynote address was titled “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize.” She told the graduating class, “Graduates, you’ve invested in your dream, but your success is not for you alone. Here’s the part where I tell you that I hope you’ll take what you’ve learned here and save the world – which admittedly sounds like an overwhelming responsibility. I’m reminded of what singer-songwriter Dolly Parton said after she donated one million dollars to the Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, leading to the research on what became the Moderna vaccine for Covid-19. When asked why she donated, she said, ‘You can’t save the world, but you can save the world we’re living in.’ There is plenty of world-saving you can do through your individual contributions.”

Nolan Cook

Nolan Cook, the Senior Class Speaker, was chosen for the distinction by his peers. A native of Fort Wayne, Cook was a creative writing major. Throughout his college journey, he wore many hats: Resident Assistant, advocate for diversity, peer writing tutor and English honorary society member. He also dedicated three years to mentoring students with behavioral and social challenges at Northwood Elementary in Franklin. He completed internships with the Storytelling Arts of Indiana and in Costa Rica, where he taught English to elementary students. His passion for teaching led him to embark on a two-year commitment as a Global Ambassador, returning to Costa Rica to teach.

The top five majors in the graduating class were business, exercise science, psychology, biology and elementary education.

Preceding commencement, on Friday, May 17, Rev. Gregory I. Carlson, S.J., gave the baccalaureate address and received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from the college. He is an associate professor of literature and theology at Creighton University and associate director of the Deglman Center for Ignatian Spirituality.

For more information, contact the Franklin College Office of Communications at (317) 738-8185.

POSTED May 18, 2024