Josh A. Goodman, 05/26/12

Senior at Whitman College

Ravi's Twitter posts, webcam spying, and homophobic attitude were stigmatizing, and it is possible that these pushed Clementi to a tipping point. But Clementi's suicide did not happen in a bubble with only him and Ravi; it took place in a society in which homophobia is still rampant.

Karen Purcell, P.E., 05/25/12

Founder, owner, and president, PK Electrical; author, 'Unlocking Your Brilliance: Smart Strategies for Women to Thrive in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math'

Studies that have examined test scores for both sexes at a variety of ages suggest that academic performance is not the greatest obstacle for girls who want to study math, science, or engineering. Gender stereotypes instilled in girls' minds at an early age are the real dream killers.

Kate Otto, 05/25/12

Public Health Consultant

Graduation season is upon us: students sporting mortarboards and flowing gowns and mouths and minds abuzz with the big question:"What next?" An increasingly popular answer for students, whether graduating this season or not, is volunteering overseas.

David Behling, 05/25/12

English Professor at Waldorf College

Shakespeare's play, however, is more about politics than it is about ancient heroes, about the politics of Rome as the elected government gave way to dictatorship. It's a story about patriotism and corruption, about conspiracies and alliances.

John J. Powers, 05/25/12

Director of Public Affairs, Yale School of Nursing

It is important to understand the batey, a village of Haitian sugar cane cutters living in deep and unrelenting poverty in the Dominican Republic. It is a contrast as stark and vast as any on earth.

Allison Singh, 05/25/12

Author, Lawyer, Former Rejected College Applicant

They say the first heartbreak is the hardest to get over. For many students, this comes in the form of a rejection letter from their dream college.

Norma Cook Everist, 05/25/12

Professor, Wartburg Theological Seminary

President Obama may not share Mike Coffman's belief in American Exceptionalism, but that doesn't mean in his heart he's not an American.

Adam Kissel, 05/25/12

VP at FIRE, thefire.org

Many are aware of a controversial part of The Vagina Monologues in which the audience is encouraged to "reclaim" a certain slur. Unfortunately, the idea of using derogatory words to draw attention to their effects in society has met roadblocks at two universities lately.

Katie Campbell, 05/25/12

Editor, Bestcovery.com

These grads have money to make and the day to seize, while the rest of us protect our cars from being seized. Here are some gift ideas to keep these lucky grads on the path to success and salaried superstardom.

Jim Downs, 05/25/12

Associate Professor of History and American Studies, Connecticut College

As America recognizes the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, we would do well to revisit the origins of Memorial Day among freedpeople in Charleston.

Aundaray Guess, 05/25/12

Performing artist, producer, writer, and actor; program manager, Project Wipeout

My diploma symbolizes the fact that no matter what obstacles I may face, once I stop blocking my own success, I can do it. Despite the fact that I've been living with HIV for 25-plus years, I now have something I thought I'd never have: an unlimited world waiting for me.

Pamela Trotman Reid, 05/25/12

President, Saint Joseph College

Recently, another small college closed its doors. Are private institutions effectively serving the needs of students, the community, and the nation?

Patrick O'Connor, 05/25/12

Director of college counseling, Roeper School; Author, 'College is Yours 2.0'

Seniors, here are some recommendations on how to spend your summertime. College is about trying new things, so give these a spin, and you'll hit the campus more flexible than Gumby after a yoga class.

Sarika Arya, 05/25/12

Woodbridge Fellow, Yale University

This is a story about you: You will survive bullying. We have met individuals who, like you, feel lonely, ashamed, depressed, hated, and even ready to die. But they are still here, achieving their true potential and sharing their stories -- your stories -- in Yale College's "It Gets Better" video.

Jane Carlin and Barb Macke, 05/24/12

Director, Collins Memorial Library at the University of Puget Sound; Associate Librarian, University of Cincinatti

Librarians have been some of the first in the Academy to recognize the power of collaboration and sharing. First with online catalogs, and now with sharing expertise across the miles. At your service 24/7.

Yvette Kantrow, 05/25/12

Executive editor, The Deal Magazine

It's hard to turn around these days without bumping into a story bemoaning, debating, defending or decrying the skyrocketing costs of higher education.

Ellen Schloemer, 05/25/12

Executive Vice President, Center for Responsible Lending

News stories about student loan debt have suddenly become as numerous as stories on the U.S. economic recovery. For some really scary statistics, check out a recent College Board study on for-profit colleges.