Brianna Wiest ’13
International bestselling author and alumna Brianna Wiest ’13 will serve as Elizabethtown College’s 2024 Commencement speaker. Wiest will address the Class of 2024 and guests for the 121st exercises on Saturday, May 11 at 10 a.m. held in the Dell located on the College’s campus.
“We are thrilled to welcome back alumna Brianna Wiest to Elizabethtown College,” Elizabethtown College President Betty Rider said. “She is an exceptional and talented author who has impacted countless lives through her thoughtful and intentional writings. Brianna symbolizes the essence of our alumni who build their foundation at the College, graduate, and go on to share their intellect and talents for the greater good of society.”
Wiest served as editor-in-chief of the Etownian student newspaper while a student at Etown and graduated within three years. After working as a journalist as a post-graduate and writing for publications such as Forbes and Teen Vogue, Brianna began sharing her creative writing and personal reflections gained from years of self-inquiry and meditation practice. Over time, her work was shared around the world and has since touched millions with messages of empowerment, self-reflection, and hope.
“I am beyond honored to have been invited to share in this incredible moment for the Elizabethtown College graduates of 2024,” Wiest said. “I hope that it will be a meaningful and memorable morning for all.”
A 2013 English Professional Writing graduate with a Gender Studies minor from Elizabethtown College, Wiest is the bestselling author of multiple books including, 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think, The Mountain Is You, Salt Water, Ceremony, When You’re Ready, This Is How You Heal, and more.
Her most recent book, The Pivot Year, published in April 2023, is already hailed as an international bestseller. Wiest’s books have sold more than 1 million copies worldwide, regularly appear on global bestseller lists, and are currently being translated into 40+ languages.
Wiest currently lives in California and travels around the world for speaking engagements and book signings.
Elizabethtown College will host one ceremony inclusive of all six undergraduate Schools and the School for Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS). The ceremony also will be livestreamed at etown.edu.