On Tuesday, June 11, faculty and staff, family and friends gathered in the Graduation Garden to watch the 84 seniors in the Class of 2019 receive their Bryn Mawr diplomas. There were hugs, laughter and tears—reflective of how much the Class of 2019 means to one another and to the entire Bryn Mawr community.

Heather Hay Murren ‘84, a private investor and philanthropist with over 25 years of experience in finance and more than a decade of service in healthcare and government, was this year’s Commencement speaker. She discussed the importance of finding success through defeats and failure. Murren remarked that being at Bryn Mawr helped her realize that she was destined to do things that matter. She encouraged the Class of 2019 to do things that matter to them, and to rely on the sisterhood they found at Bryn Mawr to get through tough times, recognizing two of her Bryn Mawr classmates in the audience who became her lifelong friends and support system.

“Life is going to change your circumstances without your consent and without warning...leaning on your close friendships will help you navigate it,” Murren said. “I know this to be true because in the audience are my best friends today, my best friends from Bryn Mawr. I am grateful to them for helping me achieve my own brand of success, lifting me up when I stumble and keeping me tethered to the earth when I fly too close to the sun. Be grateful for your sisterhood.”

Murren left the graduates with crucial advice saying, “You can’t die from embarrassment or failure. It feels like death, but you don’t actually die, and that means you get to fight another day. Go forth joyfully and unafraid.”

The Bryn Mawr School Scholarship was announced during the ceremony. Kate Dowling ‘19 was awarded the prize as the graduating senior with the highest academic record throughout her school years. Dowling will attend Brown University this fall.

Head of School Sue Sadler commended the graduates, and reflected on Bryn Mawr’s first Headmistress Edith Hamilton’s appreciation for a love of learning. Sadler concluded her remarks saying, “A century after Edith Hamilton led this institution, as your Head of School, the thing I hope you carry with you from Bryn Mawr is the joy and power of being a lifelong learner. The Bryn Mawr love of learning has shaped you. Like our daisy symbol, you have strong roots, you rise beautifully and you seek the light. And you leave us today prepared to live considered and consequential lives.”

You can’t die from embarrassment or failure. It feels like death, but you don’t actually die, and that means you get to fight another day. Go forth joyfully and unafraid.

-Heather Hay Murren '84
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, The Bryn Mawr School is a private all-girls pre-kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school with a coed preschool for ages 2 months through 5 years. Bryn Mawr provides students with exceptional educational opportunities on a beautiful 26-acre campus within the city limits. Inquisitive girls, excellent teaching, strong student-teacher relationships and a clear mission sustain our vibrant school community where girls always come first.