Today, the Institute was brought to a close with a ceremony in which the seniors were congratulated for their success in their classes, internships and other activities.  Each graduating senior stood before the audience assembled at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown as the Institute’s president, William Keyes, read his bio and presented him with a diploma and lapel pin. Keyes was joined in the presentations by professors William Allen and Thomas Rustici.  The two professors also gave brief remarks. 

This ceremony was the first that was attended by the parents of every graduating senior.  Some came from as far away as California.  Also in attendance were donors, including Diana Davis Spencer of the Shelby Cullom Davis Foundation and Richard Walker, Vice President for Corporate Giving at Friedman Billings Ramsey.  Spencer and Walker were presented gifts as tokens of appreciation for their support since the Institute’s founding.  The gifts were group photos of current students and alumni taken on the Georgetown University campus during alumni weekend.  The seniors also presented gifts to Keyes, Allen and Rustici, Institute staff, and the three Summer Fellows—Christopher Binns, Bernard Holloway and Fred Jones—who graduated one year ago.

A special feature of this year’s graduation was music performed by five Institute scholars.  They opened the event with the National Anthem and Lift Every Voice and closed it with an improvisational piece that included all five singing, plus piano and beat box.  The music was upbeat, causing everyone to leave on a most festive note.