On Friday, seniors, faculty and staff gathered in Gund Commons for Fandango, the celebration of 100 days until graduation. Fandango gives seniors the chance to network, chat and bond with the faculty and staff members who have shaped the graduating class’s time at Kenyon. The event is also the opportunity for the College to announce the Baccalaureate and Commencement speakers: Harry M. Clor Professor of Political Science David Rowe for Baccalaureate and, for Commencement, Academy Award-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell, brother of Thomas S. Turgeon Professor of Drama and Film Jonathan Tazewell ’84. 

According to the Office of Student Engagement, 343 out of 459 seniors attended (roughly 75% of the class). All dressed in their evening finest, participants enjoyed an open bar, charcuterie and a chocolate fountain. Attendees milled about and chatted as quiet music played in the background. In a message to the Collegian, Zoey May ’26 wrote about her experience at the event: “While unfortunately not all of my professors were able to make it, I had a great time talking to the professors who were there. Best moment of the night was eating chocolate-covered strawberries with my friends while they announced that the professor I voted for would give the Baccalaureate speech.”

But what makes Fandango such a staple of the year is the chance to speak to professors outside of a formal setting. At the event, students took the chance to mingle and enjoy a beverage — alcoholic or otherwise — with their advisors and mentors.  “It was nice to talk to professors outside of the strictly academic context. While I know a lot of us spoke about our comps or projects, it was fun to talk about recent reads and converse as real people. It allows us that one step closer to adulthood outside of the regimented collegiate environment,” Dawsen Mercer ’26 wrote in a message to the Collegian. 

Rowe, the Baccalaureate speaker, shared his feelings about being chosen for the speech in an interview with the Collegian. “Maybe a week before [Fandango], I got a sort of unexpected invitation from [Dylan Sibbit ’26] inviting me to be the speaker, which I was very touched by and I accepted.” When asked about his immediate thoughts upon receiving the invitation, Rowe had one word: “Terrifying.” He elaborated, “I mean, it’s probably one of the hardest talks I’m going to give because you have to speak to at least three different audiences who are all there in a slightly different capacity, right? … You’re chosen for a reason, so you want to meet the expectations of the people who voted for you.”

As for the part he’s most excited about, Rowe responded, “What I find most interesting is actually trying to figure out what to say. … You’ve asked me to speak to you, and I’m taking that very seriously.”