Redding and Weston Residents Graduate from Colby College

From Colby College:

Local residents were among 504 seniors who graduated from Colby College in Waterville, Maine, on May 22, receiving bachelor of arts degrees at the College's 195th Commencement. Internet pioneer and author Arianna Huffington was the guest speaker.

Grace E. Baldwin of Weston, Conn., attended Hopkins School and is the daughter of Kenneth and Carol Baldwin of Weston, Conn. Baldwin majored in biology.

Ryan D. Brandt of Weston, Conn., attended Choate Rosemary Hall and is the son of Robert Brandt and Deborah Barnet-Brandt of Weston, Conn. Brandt majored in computer science.

Kristofer B. Molinaro of Redding, Conn., attended Avon Old Farms and is the son of Stephen and Kristie Molinaro of Redding, Conn. Molinaro majored in English with a concentration in creative writing.

In front of a crowd numbering in the thousands, Huffington spoke about the need to unplug and get some rest, urging graduates to connect with others personally -- not electronically -- and change the culture and language around work and sleep.

"Frankly, it's a chaotic world," Huffington said. "We take much better care of our smartphones than we do of ourselves." The author of a bestselling book about sleep deprivation, Huffington said that the multitude of devices and overload of information in people's lives have resulted in stress and sleep problems.

Colby President David A. Greene, handed a diploma to each of the graduates.

Founded in 1813, Colby is one of America's most selective colleges. Serving only undergraduates, Colby offers a rigorous academic program rooted in deep exploration of ideas and close interaction with world-class faculty scholars. Students pursue intellectual passions, choosing among 57 majors or developing their own. Independent and collaborative research, study abroad, and internships offer robust opportunities to prepare students for postgraduate success. Colby is home to a community of 1,850 dedicated and diverse students from around the globe. Its Waterville, Maine, location provides access to world-class research institutions and civic engagement experiences.