On Friday, seniors at Kenyon College celebrated the milestone of 100 days until graduation with Fandango, an event designed to foster connections with faculty and staff who have significantly impacted their college experience. Held in Gund Commons, this gathering provided a platform for seniors to engage with mentors and peers in a festive atmosphere, complete with an open bar, charcuterie, and a chocolate fountain.
During the event, the College announced the distinguished speakers for the upcoming Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies. David Rowe, Harry M. Clor Professor of Political Science, was selected to deliver the Baccalaureate address, while the Commencement speaker will be Academy Award-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell, who is related to Jonathan Tazewell ’84, a professor in Drama and Film.
Attendance for Fandango was robust, with approximately 75% of the senior class, or 343 of 459 students, participating in the celebration. Attendees dressed in formal attire enjoyed mingling and reminiscing as they listened to soft music in the background. Senior Zoey May ’26 shared her positive experience, noting how delightful it was to enjoy chocolate-covered strawberries with friends and celebrate the selection of a beloved professor for the Baccalaureate speech.
What sets Fandango apart is its informal atmosphere, giving students the chance to interact with professors outside of academic context. Dawsen Mercer ’26 expressed appreciation for the opportunity to converse with faculty about topics beyond coursework, helping students transition toward adulthood in a relaxed social environment.
David Rowe, who expressed a mix of pride and anxiety upon being invited to speak at the Baccalaureate, described the moment as “terrifying” yet exhilarating. He emphasized the responsibility of addressing diverse audiences and indicated that he was taking the task seriously as he prepares to deliver a meaningful message at the ceremony.
This year’s Fandango reinforced the importance of community at Kenyon College, allowing students to celebrate their achievements and prepare for their upcoming transition into the next phase of their lives.