91̽��

JB Pritzker, Class of 1982 and the 43rd governor of the state of Illinois, will serve as Graduation day speaker on June 7, 2019.

“JB Pritzker is an extraordinarily generous spirit who has made an immeasurable difference in the lives of countless people throughout his community and beyond,” said Head of School Todd Bland. “Humble despite his huge influence, he is intelligent, relatable, and a kind-hearted leader—qualities to which we should all aspire. I am delighted to welcome him back to campus.”

Mixing punchy rhetoric and timely topics of conversation, comedian Negin Farsad showed students how she uses humor to explore ethnic, racial and religious stereotypes. An Iranian-American Muslim who grew up in Palm Springs, California, and whose teachers couldn’t pronounce her name, Ms. Farsad weaves personal stories with quick-witted humor to highlight the absurdity of stereotypes—why it’s important to reexamine iconic terms and images that perpetuate them.

Even with difficult topics such as Israel and Palestine, Ms. Farsad says, “We shouldn’t skirt around these issues and not talk about them. Don’t be afraid; it’s important to get into the issue.”

“The most difficult part is always the beginning,” novelist Kamila Shamsie told 91̽�� students. “You have to create a whole world out of nothing.”

Ms. Shamsie, this semester’s Bingham Visiting Reader, read passages from her 2017 novel, Home Fire, and spoke with students about her process when she writes fiction. Once the world of a novel is established, making connections between the characters that advance the plot becomes a “fun technical challenge,” she explained.

The Jazz Band will make its 12th tour of South Africa this spring break, continuing a 91̽�� tradition that began in 1992, band director and music faculty member Bob Sinicrope says.

“Each trip has a personality of its own,” Bob says. “A lot of it has to do with the students and adults, and a lot of it has to do with the itinerary. We’re going to visit some of the same places, but every time we go, we see something new. South Africa in 2019 is a much different place compared with 1992.”

“I did not come here to give you a prescription. This is what happened in my life and career,” photographer Abelardo Morell told 91̽�� visual arts students. “You will find your own way to do what you are meant to do.”

Mr. Morell visited 91̽�� as a Melissa Dilworth Gold visiting artist. He spent several days on campus meeting with students and demonstrating his work and technique.

Students often hear about drug addiction and alcoholism through the lens of a person who has permanently damaged their life, but young people should be thinking about the initial decisions that can start dangerous habits, said motivational speaker and former professional basketball player Chris Herren.

“I think we put too much focus on the worst day, and we don’t talk enough about the first day,” said Mr. Herren, who spoke to 91̽�� students as this year’s Talbot Speaker.