Congratulations to the Classics Department Class of 2024
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Aparajitha Anantharaman
Magna Cum Laude & Departmental Honors, A.B. Classics (Sanskrit) & Comparative LiteratureHome IndiaThesis “The Nectar-Light of Saguṇa Brahman: Reading the Divine Manifestations of the Unreal in and through the Bhagavad Gītā Commentaries of Śańkarācarya and Madhusūdana Sarasvatī”"I am a student of literature, philosophy, dance, life. My academic journey has very much been guided by a thirst to probe the depths (and heights) of human existence, to find a harmony between the various aspects of my identity, to experiment with different modes of seeing the world anew, to make connections across texts and disciplines. Studying Comparative Literature and Sanskrit Classics has given me time to carefully linger with words and ideas, stretch my imagination, essay to the point of obsession. And now, all traces of obsession have been dissolved into a silent conviction; for I am confident that the texts and thinkers I have had the fortune to sit with will continue to shape my practice, challenge my thought, guide my action. With gratitude, I "forge ahead"!"
Achievements:
- Edward Guiliano Fellowship (2022)
- Summer UTRA Award (2023)
- Saxena Centre for Contemporary South Asia Winter Research Funding (2023)
- Undergraduate Paper Prize in South Asian Studies (2024)
Extra-Curricular Activities:
- Bharatanatyam dance
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Isaiah Chappell Goldsmith
A.B. Classics (Fall 2023) -
Stefanie Isabelle Del Rosario
A.B. Classics -
Sindy Lee
A.B. Classics & Economics -
Aiden Lewis Prendergast
A.B. Classics (Latin) & Computer ScienceHome IllinoisAidan is from Chicago, Illinois. At Brown he was a double concentrator in Classics and Computer Science and is extremely grateful to his professors in the Classics department for their invaluable guidance and inspiration, which have profoundly shaped his academic journey. After graduation, he will be joining Visa working as a Software Engineer in Atlanta, after which he plans to apply for law school. He would also like to thank his family for all the support they have given him throughout his time at Brown.
Achievements:
- Lucius Lyon Prize in Latin (2024)
Extra-Curricular Activities:
- Brown Political Union (2023-2024)
- Brown-RISD Game Developers (2023)
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Xuanru Liu
A.B. Medieval Studies (Late Antiquity Track) & Sc.B. Computer Science, Sc.M. Computer ScienceHome ChinaAchievements:
- Brown University Orchestra (2021-2022)
- Computer Science Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (2021-2022)
- Peer Career Advisor (2022-2024)
- Workman-Driscoll Premium Award (2024)
Extra-Curricular Activities:
- Brown Classical Journal, Editor (2022-2024)
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Alexander William Quinn Mayo
Magna Cum Laude & Departmental Honors, A.B. Classics (Greek & Sanskrit)Home ConnecticutThesis “Ekphrasis in the Old Norse Alexanders Saga”Alex concentrated on the Greek and Sanskrit track. He is particularly interested in the history of Classics in Scandinavia, including translations from Latin into Old Norse and modern Scandinavian vernacular languages, and original Latin language compositions, from both the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. He will begin a PhD in Classics at Yale in the fall.
Achievements:
- Workman-Driscoll Premium Award (2024)
Extra-Curricular Activities:
- Classics DUG co-leader (2022-2024)
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John Lyons Michaud
Departmental Honors, A.B Classics (Latin) & Archeology (Classical Archeology)Home MassachusettsThesis “Carmina, Prata, et Divinum”"At Brown, I studied Classics and Archaeology and wrote my thesis on ancient Christian use of Virgil's natural landscapes. I was lucky enough to go on two excavations at Roman sites over the summers. I am particularly grateful to Professor Pucci for introducing me to the Late Antique world, his teaching over these four years, and for advising me in my thesis."
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Viraj Nischal Kathuria
Departmental Honors, A.B. Classics & Business EconomicsHome New YorkThesis “A Translation and Analysis of Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Through the Lens of the Aeneid by Virgil”"Hi! My name is Viraj Nischal Kathuria and I am graduating with a degree in Classics and Business Economics. I am from New York City and have studied Latin since 6th grade. While at Brown, I was a part of the Men’s Alpine Ski Team, the Socially Responsible Investment Fund (SRIF), and the Brown Entrepreneurship Program (EP). I spent my senior year writing an honors thesis alongside Professor Pucci, where I translated and analyzed Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry through the lens of the Aeneid by Virgil. This thesis was the culmination of my eleven years of studying Latin. Outside of school, I love to watch and play different sports, especially Baseball and Tennis, and hangout with my friends. I have learned so much from my professors and peers throughout my time on College Hill and could not be more grateful. Classes like 21st Century Classics, Fortunatus, and more offered unique ways of thinking about and studying the Classics. While often overlooked, the depths of knowledge and understanding that I discovered while studying Classics will translate into all aspects of my life post-Brown. Lastly, my Brown experience was truly made by people I met. People from all over the world who bring extraordinarily different life perspectives have taught me more than I could have ever imagined. There is no place like Brown and I will miss it very much. Thank you, Brown!"
Achievements:
- Brown Men’s Alpine Ski Team
Extra-Curricular Activities:
- Socially Responsible Investment Fund (SRIF)
- Brown Entrepreneurship Program (BrownEP)
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Arushi Parekh
Magna Cum Laude, A.B. Classics & International and Public Affairs (Economic Development Track)Home New YorkArushi concentrated in Classics and International & Public Affairs on the Economic Development track. Her interests lie primarily in understanding the political, social, and economic complexities of ancient and modern societies, with a specific focus on emerging markets. She is very grateful to the Classics department for its support throughout her time at Brown, and for fostering her passion in Latin and ancient Greek. After graduation, Arushi is headed to New York City to work for Goldman Sachs.
Achievements:
- Global Research & Consulting Group, President (2020-2023)
- Fashion@Brown, Business & Marketing Director (2021-2024)
- Office of College Admission, Student Admissions Representative (2021-2024)
- Meiklejohn Peer Advising Program (2021-2024)
Extra-Curricular Activities:
- Brown Classical Journal, Editor (2021-2024)
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Alexander Lee Myung Sung Platt
A.B. Classics -
Kristen Paige Quesada
Departmental Honors, A.B. ClassicsThesis “From Pudicitia to Purity: Tracing the Transformation of Female Chastity from Roman Tradition to Christian Virtue”After graduation, Kristen will be starting law school at Columbia University in New York.
Achievements:
- James Aldrich Pirce Prize (2024)
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Grace Rebecca Posorske
Departmental Honors, A.B. Classics & International and Public AffairsHome ArizonaThesis “Projections of Legitimacy: The Legacy of the Classics and Congressional Popular Politics” -
Ainsley Renee Smith
Magna Cum Laude, A.B. Classics & EnglishHome KansasAchievements:
- Visiting Student at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University (2022-2023)
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James Pierce Stearns Symonds
A.B. Classics & EconomicsHome Connecticut"My name is Jimmy Symonds and I am from Kent, Connecticut. I study Classics and Economics. I was lucky to be able to take Latin and Greek in highschool, which lead to continuing Classics into college. My interests within Classics are primarily Homer and Vergil."
Extra-Curricular Activities:
- Brown Musical Theater Productions, Actor
- Brown Classical Journal, Contributor
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Harrison Theriault
A.B. Classics (Greek)Home Massachusetts"I am a Classics-Premedical student who studied Ancient Greek during my time at Brown. I have greatly enjoyed using the Open Curriculum to explore my diverse interests in Greek society, medicine, and linguistics."
Extra-Curricular Activities:
- Aikido 2021-2024/present
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Varun Vatsal Kasibhatla
A.B. Classics (Latin) & Computational BiologyHome GeorgiaVarun is from Atlanta, Georgia. At Brown, he concentrated in Classics and Computational Biology. In the Classics department, he focused on Roman history and Latin language, also spending a semester at the prestigious Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome, Italy. After graduation, he will attend the Warren Alpert Medical School in Providence, Rhode Island.
Achievements:
- Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies
Extra-Curricular Activities:
- Parkinson’s Disease SRA, Researcher (with presentation at American Academy)
- Oncology Database UTRA
- Brown Healthcare Advancement Journal
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Fengyuan Wang
A.B. Classics & Computer Science -
Miguel Christopher Santiago Rivera Young
A.B. Classics & Slavic StudiesHome VirginiaMiguel concentrated in Classics on the general track, along with an additional concentration in Slavic Studies. He came to Brown from Staunton, Virginia and along with his twin brother Andreas has spent four wonderful years at Brown. Outside of the classroom, he has worked on the Brown Journal of World Affairs and the Brown Classical Journal, as well as working as a chef at Bacaro restaurant for many of his years here. He is an avid Newcastle United supporter (sorry Professor Oliver), and loves playing pickup soccer around town. Next year he will be taking a gap year in DC before applying to law school.