by Christopher H. Roberts

A Somerville woman June 3 was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wellesley College

"I’m not sure what’s next," said newly-graduated Lila G. Durnan, of Kingston Street.

"Right now, I’m looking for work," she said, laughing.

Durnan and her 552 classmates were urged by commencement speaker and Wellesley alumna Patricia J. Williams to raise a stir in her "real-world" life. Williams, a professor at Columbia School of Law, is also a Wellesley trustee.

A graduate of Somerville High School, Durnan was a double major in English and psychology, two of her passions. Since leaving college, she has returned to her position at the Walnut Street Center, providing care for people in group homes. In the future, she plans to work in health-care setting and pursue a graduate degree in psychology, she said.

Durnan said she chose Wellesley because it was a good fit for her and allowed her to remain close to friends and family. During her tenure at the prominent women-only liberal arts college, Durnan served as treasuer of the Film Society, an officer of the Psychology Club, and worked in the tutoring program. When not studying, she still found time to work at Massachusetts General Hospital in addition to her duties at the Walnut Street Center.

Though Durnan does not yet know what the future will hold, she plans to stay in the area, she said. Durnan is the daughter of Thomas J. Durnan and Betsy L. Barr of Kingston Street. Barr formerly served The Somerville News as typesetter.