Ten Women Make History at University of Puget Sound FEPPS Graduation Ceremony

FEPPS students in the Puget Sound BA program

On a cloudy Saturday morning, the Washington Corrections Center for Women in Gig Harbor buzzed with an unusual air of celebration. The atmosphere inside the prison walls was energetic and hopeful as the University of Puget Sound and the Freedom Education Project Puget Sound (FEPPS) hosted an inaugural commencement ceremony, marking a historic moment for 10 incarcerated women who completed their Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies.

Floating, Progress, and Plexiglass Walls: Defining‬‭ The Future Through‬ ‭ Remembrance‬ ‭

Graduates sit with their backs to the camera during a commencement ceremony.

Before I get into my speech I just wanted to say that I’m so beyond grateful to be here on this stage. I invited my family here this weekend to participate in commencement activities. One thing they weren’t expecting, however, was to see me up here. For the last month or so, I’ve kept this little secret of being the Commencement Speaker, so little do you all know you were all part of a bit of a surprise today. I just wanted to extend my thanks and graciousness to them.