Congrats to the Class of 2025!

News

Published April 23, 2025

Commencement 2025 is on the horizon and with that means a new cohort of students will be closing out their time at Smith College and embarking on their new journeys. This year, a handful of those students are what we affectionately refer to as "one of ours." They're students that found their way to the botanic garden either through a work study position, a spot in the botanic garden student educator program or were enrolled in a horticultural class and stayed on our team until graduation. All that to say, we at the botanic garden get to know these students well. They become not just members of our community, they become members of our botanic garden family!

"It’s that bittersweet time of year when we have to say goodbye and good luck to our graduating Smithies! Our staff is very thankful for all they did to assist and enhance the visitor experience here at Lyman Plant House, and for graciously taking on all the mundane tasks that keep operations running smoothly …like folding and stocking t-shirts! I’m so proud of these graduating students. I’m excited to hear about what comes next, but of course sad to see them go. I think Dr. Seuss summed up the situation, 'Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.' Sending congrats, peace and positive vibes to our seniors!” said Business Operations Manager Sheri Lyn Peabody '87.

We wish these the best of luck as they move into the world in different capacities, some of them we hope will become our colleagues down the line. Join us in congratulating these graduates:

Reeza Baldonado

22-25 Office Assistant

"Reeza has an uncanny ability to anticipate the needs of those around her. I'll miss her quick-witted sense of humor and her calming presence," said Administrative Assistant - Visitor Services Liz Whiteley.

George Kermond

23-25 Office Assistant

"George's ability to relate so naturally to everyone they encounter will serve as a tremendous asset wherever life takes them. I'm so grateful I got to work so closely with someone so genuinely compassionate," said Whiteley.

Malika Gottfried

22-23 Botanic Garden Student Educator, 23-24 Education Intern, 24-25 Office Assistant

"Mali will be deeply missed here, as she was always willing to go above and beyond in supporting fellow students, visitors, and botanic garden staff in so many capacities," said Whiteley.

Charlotte Meuse

24-25 Botanic Garden Student Educator

"I've been so inspired by Charlotte's creativity this year, as they've created original events, delved deeply into collaborations, and have brought unique approaches to their work. We've really benefited from their artistic talents and vision.They have added so much capacity to the BoGSE team!" said Associate Director of Education Sarah Loomis.

Flora Meeker

23-25 Curatorial Assistant

"Flora has been an immense help with the seed exchange. I feel lucky to work with a student who is so passionate about plants!" said Manger of Living Collections Kady Wilson ’15, S.M. ’21.

Paige Woodard

22-23 Botanic Garden Student Educator, 24-25 Education Intern

"I've had the pleasure of working with Paige for two years now—first as a BoGSE—and this year, as one of my education interns. Paige is incredibly thoughtful and intentional in her approach to work (and life!) and I've learned so much from her over the years. I always leave our one-on-one meetings inspired and curious about something new," said Loomis.

Allie Wornell

2021 Summer Intern, 21-22 Botanic Garden Student Educator, 23-25 Greenhouse Assistant

Sophia Holmes

22-23 BoGSE, 23-25 Greenhouse Assistant

The work that Sophia Holmes and Allie Wornell have contributed to Lyman over the course of their time with us—as interns, BoGSEs and horticultural assistants—has been invaluable. It has been so fulfilling and joyful to watch them each learn and evolve and grow ever more comfortable and at home in these spaces, at Smith, and also with themselves. Allie and Sophia are both particularly confident and adept, detail oriented and hard working individuals, and to have witnessed and supported them each in continuing to build those skills has been remarkably rewarding.

Moreover, we are honored by and grateful for the ways in which they've shared themselves with us. Our staff and our community have learned so much from Allie and Sophia over the past four years.

What we've gained will endure; their individual marks on this place, the collection and on each of us shapes the future and leaves us with very happy memories.

We wish them both bright and fulfilling futures, and are so, so proud of what they've already built for themselves! They will both always have a home here at the botanic garden.

Landscape Curator Lily Carone