Johns Hopkins track star crosses the academic finish line

Flip through the Johns Hopkins athletics record books and you'll find the name Harrinee Senthilkumar not once, not twice, but 42 times.

Senthilkumar is a first-team All-American; a three-time Centennial Conference Champion in the mile and 1,500 meters; an NCAA qualifier in four different events (the mile, 1,500m, distance medley relay, and 4x400m relay); and holds school and national records in both the distance medley relay and the 4x800m relay—all while maintaining a 3.99 GPA as a neuroscience major.

So when she had to miss the universitywide Commencement ceremony last week while competing in the 2025 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships, university officials decided to throw her a ceremony all her own upon her return.

Image caption: Harrinee Senthilkumar steps on the JHU seal in Gilman Hall after receiving her degree

Image credit: Will Kirk / Johns Hopkins University

On Tuesday morning, family, friends, coaches, teammates, university leaders, and athletics staff gathered around the university seal in the floor of the Gilman Hall entryway to celebrate Senthilkumar, who donned her cap and gown and took her official first steps as a Hopkins alum by walking across the storied seal. Maureen Marsh, senior vice president and secretary of the university's board of trustees welcomed guests, and Krieger School Dean Christopher Celenza offered remarks. They were joined by Jen Baker, associate vice provost and director of Athletics and Recreation, and Bobby Van Allen, head coach for both the cross country and track and field teams.

Celenza spoke about how Senthilkumar and the Class of 2025 arrived at Hopkins while the world was still experiencing a global pandemic, a time that demanded resilience, adaptability, and courage.

"Like so many in this remarkable class, Harrinee rose to the challenge," Celenza said. "She learned to pivot, to persevere, and to lead—skills that would define her time here and shape her legacy. ... Harrinee, you embody everything we hope for in a Hopkins graduate: intelligence, passion, resilience, and compassion. You have made your mark here at Johns Hopkins—in the classroom, on the track, and in the hearts of those around you. And now, you're ready to go out and make the world a better place, just as you've done here in our Hopkins community."

Van Allen said while Harrinee is acclaimed for both her speed and her intellect, it's her heart that sets her apart.

"Harrinee not only was one of the most accomplished athletes in our program, she was the most caring," Van Allen said. "While she certainly cared about performing her best for the team, she cared deeply for her teammates. Harrinee would be at every team volunteer event, helping with community events, or leading the charge in fundraising efforts. I'm incredibly proud of her journey through Hopkins, and know she's going to be an extraordinary physician one day."

Image credit: Will Kirk / Johns Hopkins University