Allison Weinberg

Staff

Campus trees changing to fall color. Between them hang a banner over a road that says “welcome."

“WELCOME,” the trees on College Road announce. You have arrived at Wellesley, but the journey stretches on.

The trees stand watch—steadfast guardians—over every season of student life. First-years root themselves in new soil. Sophomores release what must fall away. Juniors endure. Seniors blossom. Summer, autumn, winter, spring.

What have these trees witnessed over the past 150 years? Winter storms and radiant sunshine, war and renewal, loss and discovery. Fires that consumed, sparks that kindled knowledge. Social distance, social change. Laughter under the leaves, swinging under the stars. Frisbee on Munger Meadow, sledding on Sev Green.

Each year, a class plants their tree, a small promise of a legacy they will one day return to. And each year alumnae parade down College Road, former saplings now offering their embrace.

And so, as petals scatter on Commencement morning, the trees once again proclaim: “CONGRATULATIONS, SENIORS.” A new season has begun.