Twentieth Century

1923

Calvin Coolidge Speaks at Commencement

Calvin Coolidge, Vice President (and later President) of the United States, defies his reputation and speaks at Wheaton’s 88th commencement. He was also awarded an honorary degree-the first male in Wheatono’s history to receive this honor. Prior to his time in the White House, Coolidge was active in Massachusetts politics and served as the state’s Governor. In his address to the Class of 1923, Coolidge states that students with a liberal education “have been given the power to hold up the torch that lights the way”.