CHESTERTOWN — The newly renovated Norman James Theatre buzzed with a sense of tradition and celebration Friday at the annual George Washington’s Birthday Convocation.
The Feb. 21 event, a cornerstone of the Washington College calendar, honored outstanding faculty, alumni and a community member for their career dedication and recent service.
The event began with a stately academic procession as faculty and the platform party, including President Mike Sosulski, Provost and Dean of the College Kiho Kim and members of the Board of Visitors and Governors, entered the theater. The Rev. Claire Nevin-Field offered an invocation, setting a reflective tone, and with a poem from John O’Donohue reminded the audience to look for new frontiers to embrace.
Sosulski welcomed the audience, emphasizing the college’s unique blend of historical reverence and forward-thinking innovation and reminding attendees of the institution’s longstanding commitment to liberal arts education and community engagement by highlighting lessons and contributions of William Smith, the college’s founder; Norman James, a beloved English professor; and President George Washington.
Miranda Parrish, president of the Student Government Association, took the stage to share her reflections on leadership and advocacy. In this, her fourth and final speech at convocation, she spoke passionately about the importance of bringing diverse voices to the table and fostering a respectful and inclusive environment.
“May the best days be ahead of you, and as a parting thought, please remember how it felt when someone was honest and transparent with you and brought you to the table for the first time,” she urged the audience.
Rick Wheeler, chair of the Board of Visitors and Governors, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Washington College’s integral role within the Chestertown community and the wider network of alumni. He applauded the outgoing SGA president’s work, adding that insights Parrish shared could and should “enlighten any of us in a leadership position.”
The heart of convocation was the presentation of prestigious awards.
Kim presented the Cromwell Award for Innovation in Teaching to biology lab coordinator and instructor Suzanne Thuecks, recognizing her transformative work in revamping the teaching of writing in introductory biology labs. Thuecks was lauded for her creation of clear, succinct mini-lessons for students and her development of a feedback system that significantly improved student writing skills while easing the grading workload for instructors.
“Suzanne’s innovative and multifaceted approach to teaching scientific writing in general biology labs has been a boon to our students, instructors, the biology department at large and for the writing program of the college,” Kim said.
Sosulski then presented the Joseph L. Holt Distinguished Service Award to Mary Alice Ball, dean of library and academic technology, and Aaron Krochmal, associate biology professor.
The award is given to those who have a record of exemplary performance and distinctive contributions, improving the college’s programs and campus activities while also showcasing an outstanding commitment to the campus as a whole.
Ball was honored for her tireless advocacy for the library, her dedication to students and staff, and her efforts to strengthen the college’s ties to the Chestertown community. Throughout her 44 years of librarianship, Ball has fostered a collaborative and innovative team within Washington’s Miller Library & Archives, prioritizing professional development and empowering her staff to grow and excel.
“As a passionate advocate for the library, Mary Alice has enhanced its role as a dynamic academic and technological hub, ensuring that both faculty and students have access to cutting-edge resources crucial for their success at Washington College,” Sosulski said
Krochmal was recognized for his multifaceted contributions as an educator, advisor and mentor.
Sosulski lauded Krochmal’s work beyond that as a professor, highlighting his work as an advisor to two vital student organizations as well as a colleague willing to undertake service assignments that can be draining, even though they are essential. His dedication to student success, his leadership in the Kappa Sigma fraternity and Hillel House, and his commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment were highlighted.
“Aaron’s ability to convene people in a supportive and nurturing community and his willingness to do the hard work required to make important things happen help to make Washington College a wonderful institution,” Sosuski said.
Eddie Raleigh ’08, chair of the Washington College Alumni Board, presented the Alumni Service Award to Colleena Wiseman Calhoun ’99. Wiseman Calhoun was celebrated for her unwavering support of the college and the Black Student Union, her efforts to connect alumni and current students, and her active involvement in alumni initiatives.
In addition to her service in many capacities to her alma mater since graduation, Wiseman Calhoun was cited for her annual returns to the campus for fellowship with current students of color and alumni, and for the past 22 years hosting an annual/biannual cookout at her home for them as well.
Rounding out the awards, the President’s Medal was presented to James “Butch” Clark, a beloved figure in Kent County.
Clark was recognized for his decades of tireless volunteer work providing technical and logistical support to countless community events, festivals and celebrations. His quiet dedication and invaluable contributions to the quality of life in the county were applauded.
The President’s Medal is awarded to individuals who have an exemplary record of sustained contribution to the quality of life in our community, service to their fellow human beings and a dedication to the fulfillment of the ideals represented in the Washington College mission statement.
“Butch Clark is the perfect example of a citizen leader who serves as an example to younger generations to live a life of purpose and pursue one’s passion,” Sosulski said.
The convocation culminated in a keynote address by Tammy Tiehel Stedman ’86, an Oscar-winning filmmaker and entrepreneur. A short film she produced for her master’s thesis at the American Film Institute, titled “My Mother Dreams of the Satan’s Disciples in New York,” secured her the movie industry’s highest award in 2000.
She is currently executive producer for the long-running Kelly Corrigan Wonders podcast, which has hosted guests ranging from David Byrne to David Brooks.
Stedman is generally known as a Washington College star, having been inducted into the athletics hall of fame for her achievements in women’s lacrosse, and serves as a terrific example of the impact and importance of a liberal arts education at a small, community-focused college.
“Her career has been remarkable and varied,” said Sosulski, pointing out that it provides both a goal and an inspiration for today’s students.
Stedman shared her personal journey, reflecting on the transformative power of a Washington College education and the care it shows to its students. She spoke fondly of her professors, emphasizing the importance of personal connection, individual attention and a strong sense of community.
Her address served as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of a liberal arts education and the enduring values of Washington.
“Think about the challenges we face today as a society — artificial intelligence, climate change, growing inequality, the erosion of civil discourse, the future of democracy itself,” she urged the students in attendance. “These aren’t problems that can be solved by any single field of expertise. They’re complex issues that require citizens who can think critically, engage with different perspectives and work toward solutions that serve the common good. That’s exactly what a liberal arts education prepares us to do.”
“The true measure of a Washington College education isn’t just in the careers we build or the achievements we accumulate,” Stedman said. “It’s in how we learn to think, to question, to grow and, ultimately, to serve our communities.”
