Natalia Hall ’25 has been selected as the student speaker for Connecticut College’s 107th Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 18.

A resident of San Francisco, California, Hall chose Connecticut College because she wanted to experience a new pace, culture and environment. “I was looking to challenge myself by stepping outside of my comfort zone and expanding my worldview,” she said. “Conn stood out to me as a place of grounding, where I could truly explore and lean into my creativity and curiosity.”

In March, the architectural studies and art history double major was selected to speak at Connecticut College’s [Un]Freedom Colloquium, a conference where students and local historians shared their current research. Hall’s project discussed how post-WWII city planning shaped urban development and social policy in the city of New London. At Conn, Hall has served as an Admission ambassador, a teaching assistant and co-chair of the Architectural Studies Student Advisory Board, and she is a member of the Dance Club.

Hall said growing up with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge outside her window encouraged an early fascination with how environments influence identity and how design can tell the story of the human experience. “From a young age I was able to understand how thoughtful designs change more than our physical world—they shape how we see ourselves within it.”

As a junior, Hall studied abroad in Rome, Italy, at the Pantheon Institute. “Having the ability to study an ancient building in the classroom, step outside, and be able to see and experience that same structure in real life never failed to amaze me,” she said. “In Rome, I learned the language of form—how to read the historical, sociopolitical context of the time through the lens of architecture and the organization of space.”

During her senior year, Hall had the opportunity to apply that knowledge as a freelance designer, producing visual content across various media. For her senior integrative project, she interned at the Archaeological Conservation Institute in Ancient Corinth, Greece, and Sabina, Italy, helping to conserve second-century mosaics in an ancient Roman villa. Here, Hall also studied conservation, restoration and the complex ethical choices that dictate archaeological excavations.

After graduation, Hall plans to work as a freelance designer in New York before applying to graduate schools to pursue an advanced degree in architecture and design.

She said she feels “incredibly honored” to be selected as the student Commencement speaker. “Connecticut College has been a life-changing place for me, filled with a tapestry of beautiful, creative, talented and deeply passionate people,” she said. “To the faculty and staff, thank you for your endless support, patience and dedication. I am deeply grateful for all that you’ve done for us.”