Zoe Watts has been selected as the student speaker for Connecticut College’s 108th Commencement ceremony, which will take place on May 17.
Watts is a government major with double minors in finance and Africana studies. She is also a Posse Scholar from Chicago, Illinois. During her time at Connecticut College, she has served as captain of the Women’s Volleyball team, Senior Admissions Fellow, member of the Black Student Union, and Office of Academic Support Student Ambassador. Her involvement extends to serving on the Government/International Relations Student Advisory Board and acting as secretary for the Athletes of Color Coalition. She was also a First-Year Seminar student adviser.
As a junior, Watts studied abroad at City St. George’s University of London in England. She said this experience encouraged her to view issues through a global lens and engage with international politics and global dynamics. Last summer, she completed an internship in wealth management at Northern Trust as part of the Investments Practice team and has accepted a post-graduation position there as a credit analyst.
Looking ahead, Watts plans to attend law school with aspirations to become an attorney focused on criminal justice or sports and entertainment law.
Watts said being chosen as commencement speaker is significant for her: “I am humbled to have the opportunity to share one last moment on Tempel Green with my whole class. It feels like a full-circle moment from our first days here, standing on Tempel Green with our First-Year Seminar groups. I am excited to represent a group of people who have grown in different ways, but all alongside each other. Being able to reflect on that journey and capture even a small piece of it in words means a great deal to me.”
She added: “I have truly enjoyed my experience at Conn for many reasons, but what has made my time most impactful here is the people, from the students to the professors, deans, administrators and coaches who have both challenged and supported me. Each person I have crossed paths with in my four years has left a lasting impression on me.”
