Agnes Scott College Announces 2022 Commencement Speakers

April 12, 2022 (Decatur, Georgia) – Tony Award-nominated actress and activist Saycon Sengbloh ’00x will give the keynote address at Agnes Scott College’s 2022 Commencement on May 14.

Sengbloh is a star of ABC’s popular hit show “The Wonder Years.” She also played the role of FBI agent Angela Webster in ABC’s popular political drama “Scandal” and Erma Franklin in “Respect,” a biopic of singer Aretha Franklin. 

Sengbloh is a well-known activist who has consistently used her prominent platform for social justice. An Atlanta native of Liberian descent, she is passionate about the power of education. 

Sengbloh has appeared in nearly a dozen Broadway productions. She starred opposite award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o in the production “Eclipsed” in 2016, earning a significant award from the Drama Desk. She also holds the distinction of being the first Black woman to perform the role of Elphaba in the internationally renowned Broadway musical “Wicked.” 

Joining Sengbloh on the commencement stage as this year’s student speaker is Ryan Hayes-Owens ’22 a sociology and anthropology major and Posse Scholar. The Chicago, Illinois, native is active on campus, having served as a leader with the Sophomore Class Applied Leadership Experience (SCALE) and new student orientation and as a member of Witkaze, the Black student association at Agnes Scott. Additionally, she is public relations chair for Publius, Agnes Scott’s pre-law society. This fall, Ryan plans to attend Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, specializing in video and broadcasting.

Agnes Scott’s commencement ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. on the college’s Science Quadrangle. 

Additional details may be found on the Agnes Scott commencement website.

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About Agnes Scott College 

Agnes Scott College educates women to think deeply, live honorably and engage the intellectual and social challenges of their times. Ranked No. 1 Most Innovative School, No. 1 First-Year Experiences and No. 2 Best Undergraduate Teaching by U.S. News & World Report in its 2022 Best Colleges edition, Agnes Scott is a premier institution known for SUMMIT, its signature approach to a liberal arts education focusing on global learning and leadership development. Learn more at agnesscott.edu.