Yuan Liu '09, who graduated this spring as a studio art and English literature double major, produced this short film about sculptor Hiroyuki Hamada's recent exhibition at the List Gallery on campus. Yiu served as the Gallery's intern her senior year. Now, as a Philly Fellow, she is working with the Philadelphia Young Playwrights as a marketing and communications coordinator.

Although many of his forms suggest weathered buoys and other nautical forms, Hamada takes more inspiration from music than literal sources in the everyday world. Hamada moved from his native Tokyo to West Virginia at the age of 18, when his father took a job in the steel industry. Entering college, his struggle to communicate in English and to comprehend his newfound minority status catalyzed his profound response to the abstract fundamentals of drawing and sculpture - the universal language of geometry and design. He went on to receive his MFA from the University of Maryland and was subsequently awarded two residencies from the Edward Albee Foundation. His List Gallery show was his first in the Greater Philadelphia region.

Members of classes ending in "4″ and "9," plus numerous family members and friends, celebrated on campus at this year's Alumni Weekend.

"Sweet Sweet Honey" by Joe Raciti '05.

President Bloom answered a variety of questions at a lively session during Alumni Weekend 2009. The subjects he addressed include how to ensure diversity on campus (:50), the breadth of Swarthmore's academic curriculum (6:20), and the future of the liberal arts education (11:50).

Before receiving their degrees, candidates for the Bachelor of Science degree in engineering surprised the audience and their classmates at Commencement with their customary prank. For the Class of 2009, this included red confetti, the unfurling of a pirate flag, and a figure that mysteriously self-inflated.

More Commencement 2009

During an ice cream social for the community held on Parrish lawn, Maurice Eldridge '61, vice president for college and community relations, joined faculty members and students to praise President Alfred Bloom and his legacy at the College. Bloom then took the stage to make his own brief remarks before his official portrait was unveiled.

This semester's student dance concert featured a variety of performance styles and traditions including modern, flamenco, taiko, tap, African, and Kathak.

Choreographed by Carmella Ollero '09; performed by Carmella Ollero '09 with Lisa Cabral ’09, Amelia Kidd '11, Tavia Odinak ‘09,  and Allison Stuewe '12; music by Radiohead; lighting design by James P. Murphy. This is an excerpt from the Spring 2009 Student Dance Concert.

Carmella is the recipient of the Hally Jo Stein Award, given by the dance faculty and based on a student's overall involvement, achievement, and excellence in the area of dance over the course of the student's time at Swarthmore.

Choreographed by Associate in Performance Dolores Luis Gmitter with Monica Herrera, Julia Lopez, and Javier C. Camacho '09. Solo "Encarcelado" choreographed and performed by Javier C. Camacho ’09; guitar played live by John D. Penn; accompaniment excerpted from "Canticum" by Leo Brouwer; lighting design by James P. Murphy. This is an excerpt from the Spring 2009 Student Dance Concert.

Directed by Cornell Visiting Professor Isaburoh Hanayagi; composed by Isaburoh Hanayagi and Tamagawa Taiko students. Performers: Madeleine Abromowitz '10, Associate Professor of Dance Kim Arrow, David Burgy '10, Adam Chuong '12, Arthur Chyan '10, Caitlin Daimon '11, Quinn David '11, Sara Davidson, Joanie Jean '11, Brice Jordan '12, Masayo Kaneko, Robert Manduca '10,  Alexandra Martinez, Melinda Neal '11, Alysha Newton '10, James Preimesberger '11, Lorenzo Ramirez '10, Roseanna Sommers '10, Tyler Stivala '10, Sven Udekwu '09, and Madrianne Wong; special guests: Joseph Small ’05 and Alex Hudson ’05; lighting design by James P. Murphy. This is an excerpt from the Spring 2009 Student Dance Concert.

Choreographed by Associate in Performance LaDeva M. Davis; performed by Peter Akkies '12, Emily Allen, Zoe Bridges-Curry ‘09, LaDeva M. Davis, Alison Flamm ‘09, Sara Forster '11, Ashley Gunter ‘09, Ben Hattem '12, Solange Hilfinger-Pardo '12, Madeleine Laupheimer '10, Grace Loudon, Teal Patterson '11, Brian Ratcliffe '11, Lisa Riddle ‘09, Marie Rousseau '12, Min Sern Teh '12, and Professor Emerita of Chemistry Judith Voet; lighting design by James P. Murphy. This is an excerpt from the Spring 2009 Student Dance Concert.