The Harvard Art Museums would like to congratulate the many students processing through Harvard Yard today for Commencement. Index recently talked with some of these graduates to hear about their time at Harvard and to find out what’s next for them.

Among the sea of graduates dressed in cap and gown today is the museums’ very own Mary Schneider Enriquez, the Houghton Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art. She’ll be receiving her Ph.D. from the Graduate School of Arts and Science’s History of Art and Architecture department. “For me, coming to the point of graduation lets me focus on why I did this, why I concentrated on something so deeply,” Enriquez said. “The whole process, including the graduation exercises, has been a reflection on why this mattered to me, not just professionally but also personally. It’s important for me to complete this journey.” Today she is celebrating this rite of passage with her family. After graduation, Enriquez will continue her exciting work at the museums. (Read about her involvement in our forthcoming Mark Rothko exhibition here.)

Leigh Dale is graduating from the Graduate School of Education’s Arts in Education program, where she’s been focusing on museum education and museum accessibility. “I’ve only just scratched the surface of what this community offers,” Dale said. “The richness of Harvard is so astounding.” About her work with the Harvard Art Museums’ Division of Academic and Public Programs, Dale said that she’s learned “how a museum can best serve its community, and what my priorities are as an educator.” Following Commencement, Dale is hoping to work in the education department of a museum.

Harvard Art Museums staff continued conversations with graduates the morning of Commencement. Visit our Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages to hear their thoughts on the future.